The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced on March 16 the launch of its Safety Champions Program, a new initiative aimed at helping employers develop and implement effective safety and health programs.
According to the department, the Safety Champions Program is designed to meet businesses where they are in their journey toward safety and health success. The program encourages proactive steps with a focus on continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
"The Department of Labor’s new Safety Champions Program exemplifies the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting and empowering job creators. By providing employers with these resources, we are putting American workers first and keeping them healthy and safe on the job," according to Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor.
The program features three progressive steps—Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced—each aligned with OSHA’s recommended practices for safety and health programs. This tiered structure allows employers to build their programs over time while adopting best practices tailored to their operations. Participants can work independently or collaborate with Special Government Employees who provide guidance and technical assistance.
The Safety Champions Program emphasizes seven essential elements: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation, and communication. Upon completing all three levels of the program, participants are expected to have implemented all seven elements with plans for ongoing improvement in workplace safety.
Outreach materials will provide detailed information on how employers can sign up for the program. In related efforts, on August 24, 2022, the Department of Labor announced $3.4 million in Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants administered by its Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona was awarded $542,358 through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.
More information about signing up for the Safety Champions Program is available according to the official roster page.
