OSHA Outlines Steps for Stronger Safety Programs
A 10-step checklist covers inspections, employee input, emergency planning and ongoing program reviews.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Sep 11, 2026
OSHA is encouraging employers to establish or refresh workplace safety and health programs using a series of actions focused on leadership, reporting and hazard control.
The agency’s safety and health program guidance identifies three central elements: management leadership, worker participation and a systematic approach to finding and correcting hazards.
A 10-step resource advises employers to make safety a core organizational value and incorporate it into routine conversations with workers. Managers are also encouraged to model safe workplace behavior.
The guidance calls for a simple reporting process that allows workers to raise concerns about injuries, illnesses, near misses and hazards without fear of retaliation. OSHA recommends including an anonymous reporting option.
Other steps include training workers to identify and control hazards, inspecting workplaces with employees and seeking their ideas about possible improvements. Workers can also participate in selecting, implementing and evaluating hazard controls.
Employers should identify foreseeable emergencies, develop response instructions and discuss procedures with workers. The guidance also recommends consulting employees before making significant changes to the workplace, work organization, equipment or materials.
OSHA advises employers to schedule regular discussions about safety and evaluate their programs for potential improvements. The agency describes hazard identification and correction as an ongoing process that should account for changing technology, processes, materials and workforce conditions.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.