The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced on March 18 the launch of its OSHA Cares initiative, an agency-wide effort aimed at helping businesses meet federal workplace safety requirements and build strong safety and health programs.
According to the department, OSHA Cares is designed to support employers by providing guidance to ensure all workers arrive home safely after every shift. The agency is encouraging businesses to seek assistance or guidance for improving safety and health at their worksites. As part of this effort, OSHA is emphasizing the benefits of reaching out for help or collaborating with the agency.
Last month, OSHA introduced an updated version of the poster that employers are required to display in workplaces. The new poster features a modern design and includes a message intended to bring employers and workers together to address safety hazards and concerns.
The initiative also aims to empower employers—particularly small and medium-sized businesses facing unique challenges—by increasing access to OSHA experts, compliance assistance specialists, educational materials, training resources, and consistent workplace assistance during enforcement visits. The Directorate of Enforcement Programs will launch a training program standardizing how Compliance Safety and Health Officers provide real-time assistance during inspections.
OSHA said it values working closely with small businesses, listening to stakeholders, building greater collaboration, and expanding compliance assistance so that employers have the tools needed for effective safety programs. In related efforts supporting workforce development, 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 OSHA Cares can be found on the official roster page.
