July 10, 2018

KANSAS CITY, MO ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking to stem a recent increase in workplace fatalities in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The Agency has seen an increase in fatalities associated with falls, struck-by objects and vehicles, machine hazards, grain bin engulfment, and burns.

In 2017, OSHA launched its “Safe + Sound Campaign,” urging employers to develop and implement a safety and health program that includes management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards. So far, the campaign has received commitments from 198 organizations.

“OSHA has investigated 34 fatalities in these three states since Oct. 1, 2017,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Kim Stille. “Working together with employers, unions, and employees, we can reduce these incidents. By implementing and sustaining workplace safety and health programs we can help employees avoid preventable injuries and fatalities. The agency has additional resources available to help employers of all sizes identify workplace hazards and eliminate them.”

OSHA offers compliance assistance for small- and medium-sized businesses at no charge. Each state has its own On-site Consultation Program, a free and confidential program to help employers learn about potential hazards at their workplace, improve safety and health programs. Additionally, OSHA’s Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small business employers who have used the agency’s On-site Consultation Program services, and operate an exemplary safety and health program. Acceptance of a site into SHARP is an achievement, and serves as a model for worksite safety and health.

Safety and health programs help reduce the numbers of workplace injuries and illnesses, and improve the bottom line. OSHA’s “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs” offers practical advice on how an organization can create and integrate safety and health programs. To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, or file a complaint, call OSHA’s hot-line at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.