New OSHA Site-Specific Inspection Directive Targets Workplaces with Highest Injury and Illness Rates

New OSHA Site-Specific Inspection Directive Targets Workplaces with Highest Injury and Illness Rates

In December 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor updated the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Directive inspection program, emphasizing recordkeeping requirements.

The Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Directive is OSHA’s primary targeting program for non-construction workplaces with 20 or more employees. The agency selects establishments based on injury and illness data employers submitted on Form 300A for calendar years 2017-2019.

The new directive replaces Site-Specific Targeting 2016, and includes these significant changes:

• The creation of a new targeting category for establishments indicating consistent injury and illness rate increases over the three-year data collection period, and
• Allows records only inspections to occur when a compliance safety and health officer determines incorrect data led to an establishment’s inclusion in the program. This change ensures OSHA will conduct a full inspection only when the employer has an actual elevated injury and illness experience.

The new directive replaces Site-Specific Targeting 2016, and includes the following significant changes:

• The creation of a new targeting category for establishments indicating consistent injury and illness rate increases over the three-year data collection period, and
• Allows records only inspections to occur when a compliance safety and health officer determines incorrect data led to an establishment’s inclusion in the program. This change ensures OSHA will conduct a full inspection only when the employer has an actual elevated injury and illness experience.

In addition to the SST program, OSHA implements both national and local emphasis programs to target high-risk hazards and industries.

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small- and medium-sized businesses to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education, and assistance.