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OSHA announces new five-year strategic management plan

OSHA aims to reduce workplace fatalities by 15% and workplace injuries and illnesses by 20% by 2008. Under the agency’s recently announced Strategic Management Plan for 2003 - 2008, specific areas will be emphasized each year to achieve the broader goal. For example, in 2003-2004 OSHA’s goals include:

  • a three percent drop in construction fatalities
  • a one percent drop in general industry fatalities, and
  • a four percent drop in injuries and illnesses in construction, general industry, and specific industries with high hazard rates, including landscaping/horticultural services, oil and gas field services, blast furnace and basic steel products, and ship and boat building and repair.

     OSHA’s new plan also covers issues not traditionally addressed by the agency but that nevertheless account for many work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths, such as workplace violence and work-related motor vehicle accidents. OSHA intends to use a variety of cooperative programs and outreach efforts to assist employers and employees in addressing these problems. In addition, the agency will focus on emergency preparedness, helping workplaces get ready to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks.