Occupational Safety and Health: Worksite Safety and Health Programs Show Promise

GAO discussed comprehensive safety and health programs to improve, identify, and correct workplace safety and health hazards, focusing on: (1) six states' program implementation experiences; and (2) the programs' impact in those states. GAO noted that: (1) inconclusive data suggest that comprehensive safety and health programs could improve workplace safety and health; (2) employers cited concerns about implementation difficulties, including the cost of program implementation, enforcement agencies' ability to evaluate management commitment, and obstacles to obtaining and documenting employee program involvement; (3) states that require some or all of their employers to implement such programs indicated that their program requirements and enforcement agency policies successfully accomplish program goals and implementation problems have generally been overcome; (4) many employers that are already required to have specific written accident prevention programs believe that a requirement for such programs would entail little additional effort; and (5) although data regarding the programs' burdens and impact are limited, available data suggest that the potential reductions in fatalities, injuries, and illnesses as a result of those programs would justify any additional burden associated with implementing such programs.