제  목 : New strategic plan to guide OSHA through 2002
  일  자 : 1997년 12월
  제공처 : INTERNET

      New strategic plan to guide OSHA through 2002
      ---------------------------------------------

 In a detailed strategic plan that will determine OSHA's direction for the next
five years,the agency has identified strategic and performance goals that will
help determine policy and resource allocation through fiscal year 2002.

The new strategic plan defines performance measures that are outcome-oriented
(e.g, reduction in injury and illness rates) rather than activity-oriented(e.g.,
inspection totals) and provides clear benchmarks for evaluating agency perfor-
mance.
It outlines three strategic goals, each with measurable objectives and strategic
measures (see OSHA Strategic Goals and Objectives at following this article).

Since its inception in 1970, OSHA has achieved progress in occupational safety
and health. For example, since 1970, the work-related fatality rate has been
halved and overall injury and illness rates have declined in industries where
OSHA has concentrated its attention. However, the agency's strategic plan re-
cognizes future challenges.

Nearly 6,000 U.S. workers still die from job-related injuries each year, and
50,000 more die annually from illness caused by workplace exposures. Addi-
tionally, about six million people suffer non-fatal workplace injuries, which
cost U.S. businesses over $110 billion each year.

These statistics, coupled with an ever-expanding workforce, evolving technology
and work practices, and inadequate data upon which to measure performance, are
some of the essential factors the agency considered in developing its strategic
plan. But by intention, the plan does not define specific, targeted illnesses,
injuries, or high-hazard industries. Each year, the agency will identify such
targets in a performance plan based on data from sources including the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, OSHA's own Priority Planning Process, the National
Occupational Research Agenda, occupational safety and health literature, and
OSHA inspectors' field experience.

To track agency performance, the plan encompasses development of new or
enhanced measurement systems as well as identification and collection of
baseline data to which future performance can be compared.

The plan's ultimate objective is to achieve OSHA's mission, "To assure, so far
as possible, every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful work-
ing conditions."

 Strategic Goals and Objectives

Goal 1: Improve workplace safety and health for all workers, as evidenced
by fewer hazards; reduced exposures; and fewer injuries, illnesses, and
fatalities.

Objective 1.1: Reduce the number of worker injuries, illnesses, and fatalities
by focusing nationwide attention and agency resources on the most prevalent
types of workplace injuries and illnesses, the most hazardous industries, and
the most hazardous workplaces.

Objective 1.2: Respond effectively to legal mandates so that workers are
provided full protection under the OSH Act.

Goal 2: Change workplace culture to increase employer and worker
awareness of, commitment to, and involvement with safety and health.

Objective 2.1: Promote programmatic/systematic approaches to safety and health
in the workplace (i.e., safety and health programs).

Objective 2.2: Enhance awareness of safety and health in America's workplaces
and make occupational safety and health information readily accessible to
employers, workers, and the general public.

Objective 2.3: Enhance worker involvement in all aspects of safety and health
in the workplace.

Objective 2.4: Issue standards, regulations, interpretations, and accompanying
outreach materials in plain language that are user-friendly and easy for em-
ployers, workers, and the general public to understand and apply.

Objective 2.5: Recognize and address the special needs of small businesses
through the provision of consultation, training, and outreach services to em-
ployers seeking support in improving workplace safety and health.

Goal 3: Secure public confidence through excellence in the development
and delivery of OSH's programs and services.

Objective 3.1: Increase collaboration between and among OSHA and its
stakeholders.

Objective 3.2: Develop management information and data collection systems to
support agency goals and strategies.

Objective 3.3: Implement human resource management systems that foster
organizational excellence and support culture change.

Objective 3.4: Implement strategic and process improvement projects to increase
the efficiency and effectiveness of OSHA's programs and to provide better serv-
ice to its internal and external partners and customers.

Objective 3.5: Maintain the integrity and stewardship of OSHA's financial re-
sources.