The agency explained that the SST imitative it one of its main programmed inspection plans for high-hazard, non-construction workplaces that have 20 or more workers. The SST plan is based on data collected from a survey of 80,000 establishments in high-hazard industries.
“Through the SST program, we can prevent injuries and illnesses, and save lives by focusing our inspection resources on employers in high-hazard worksites where workers are at greater risk,” said assistant secretary of labour for occupational safety and health David Michaels.
As part of the SST-12 programme, OSHA is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme based on 1,260 randomly selected establishments.
In addition to the SST programme, OSHA stressed that it implements both national and local emphasis inspection programmes, which include programmed inspections, to target high-risk hazards and industries. OSHA currently has 11 National Emphasis Programs that intensify inspections on hazards or industries such as lead, silica, shipbreaking, trenching/excavations and process safety management, and approximately 140 Regional and Local Emphasis Programs.
“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 ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance,” the agency said in a statement.
