A new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiative is giving employers a practical framework for building stronger workplace safety and health programs, according to an analysis by labor and employment law firm Fisher Phillips.

The initiative builds on OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs and outlines steps for management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and prevention, training, and continuous improvement. The agency says the approach is designed to help employers move beyond compliance toward more effective injury and illness prevention.

Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services at the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, said the guidance aligns with what manufacturers are already working to achieve. “Strong safety programs protect workers and help employers avoid disruptions that come with workplace injuries,” he said. “A clear framework gives companies another tool to strengthen their safety culture.”

Employers can use the initiative as a roadmap to evaluate existing programs and reinforce long-term safety practices. 2/3/2026