OSHA looking to partner with employers to curb injuries and deaths, agency leader Doug Parker says

Orlando, FL — OSHA is seeking to harness the power of employers as a “force multiplier” to improve worker safety and health, according to agency leader Doug Parker.

OSHA is also attempting “to think differently” about how it can be a partner to businesses.

“Together, we can apply a values-driven approach and we can genuinely make a difference in the lives of workers,” Parker said during a presentation at the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. “When I look at the statistics of workers who died, the reality is that for the last 20 years, we have not made enough progress. It’s incumbent on us to take risks, challenge ourselves and look at how we can do things differently to reduce fatality rates and injury rates. 

“That’s what drives me. We invite you to be a part of the solution.”

One step OSHA is taking is modernizing its Voluntary Protection Programs, which entails a broader set of goals. Those include increasing the adoption of safety and health systems and advocating employers to embrace safety and health as a core value.

Parker noted that more information about OSHA’s efforts is forthcoming. He added that employers shouldn’t tolerate other employers in their industries who disregard worker safety and health.

“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Parker told the safety professionals in attendance. “You are an agent of change, and you can make a difference.”

Recent Supreme Court decisions and OSHA

During a Q&A session after his presentation, Parker said he doesn’t think the Supreme Court decisions handed down this year will have “a significant impact” on OSHA regulations. 

“We’re confident in our rulemaking authority, and we don’t really rely on [the Chevron deference],” Parker said.