Barab Reports on Changes

On April 30th, the new Acting Assistant Secretary, Jordan Barab, generated a report of a new OSHA program named the Severe Violators Inspection Program (SVIP) and has suspended the practice of setting goals for new VPP sites and Alliances. In short, he has directed OSHA to spend their resources on enforcement.

According to his statement, the focus will be "...more on large companies and less on small businesses." According to Barab, "the new program will include a more intensive examination of an employer's history for systemic problems that would trigger additional mandatory inspections."

I don't know about this directional change in General Industry, but my experience in the Construction Industry is that the "small business," particularly residential type subcontractors, are the biggest safety problem. Most of the "large" general contractors understand that the investment in jobsite safety pays big returns. The larger subs understand that too. So, if they focus on the "big guys" with bad records, what about all of the "not so big guys" who may have no record because they've never been caught?" I can't begin to count all of the subs who still say "but that's the way we've always done it." Or, "what's a 'competent person?'"

Now, I don't mind that OSHA ignores my workplace. My employer still sees the value of jobsite safety. In fact, OSHA inspections (or the lack thereof) are not motivators for our program. But, I think that OSHA's focus on the "big guys" to the exclusion of the "little guys," may backfire.

To read Barab's printed statement and decide for yourself, click here.