Your Thoughts on Safety

CBIA recently conducted a brief survey to get a snapshot of members’ feelings about the state of occupational safety in 2017.
One question asked about members’ level of support for recent legislation overturning the OSHA recordkeeping rule, which extended from six months to five years the period of time employers could face fines for not keeping records on workplace injuries and illnesses.
A majority of respondents (56%) disapproved of this action, some citing the need for a historical perspective and the managing of safety metrics.
Respondents who approved of the Congressional action felt that five years was far too long a look-back period and that OSHA should be more concerned about preventing future accidents than fining companies for poor recordkeeping.

Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Survey results showed a high level of support for I2P2—OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
Although currently on hold, OSHA has defined this program as a proactive process to help employers find and fix workplace hazards before workers get hurt.
The vast majority of respondents (81%) felt I2P2 should be implemented, because having companies partner with employees in preventing injuries is always beneficial.

Globally Harmonized System

Most respondents (79%) also expressed support for the Globally Harmonized System of chemical classification, with many saying that given the global nature of the economy, the U.S. should be in sync with the rest of the world.
Others indicated that when it comes to hazardous chemicals, it’s critical that workers have as much information as possible about the materials they’re handling.

You’re the Boss

Finally, we asked, If you were made OSHA administrator, what would your top priorities be? Notable responses included:

• Focus on collaborating with companies—especially small manufacturers
• Focus on the Standards Improvement Project
• Address OSHA’s staffing shortage
• Enforce regulations
  

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  If you would like advice from your fellow Safety & Health News readers about a safety concern or problem—or if you want to share a safety-related success—contact CBIA’s Phillip Montgomery (860.244.1982).