OSHA Issues Memorandum on Employer Incentive Programs (TRN Safety Alert)

From Cliff Gerbick, ASP (The Reserves Network Director of Safety)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a public memorandum outlining potential violations based on employer safety incentive and disincentive policies and practices.

Meant for internal staff, the memo outlines example safety incentive and disincentive programs and how they can potentially violated Section 11(c) of the OSH Act. Section 11(c) prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee because the employee reports an injury or illness.

The memo is intended to give compliance officers (AKA OSHA Inspectors) and whistleblower investigative staff guidance regarding the different types of incentive programs used in the workplace, and how they can potentially discourage employees from reporting injuries.

The full memo, including four different scenarios can be found by (Clicking Here!)

Cliff Gerbick is the Director of Safety for The Reserves Network, a provider of “Total Staffing Solutions” in the office, industrial, professional and technical markets. To contact Cliff, email cgerbick@trnstaffing.com.