US Department of Labor updates inspection program focusing on workplaces with highest injury, illness rates

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it has updated the inspection program that directs agency enforcement resources to establishments with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses based on injury and illness data submitted in accordance with OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements.

The Site-Specific Targeting program is OSHA’s primary planned inspection program for non-construction establishments with 20 or more employees. Using OSHA Form 300A data from calendar years 2021-2023, establishments may be selected for inspection based on:

• High injury and illness rates from 2023 data.
• Upwardly trending injury and illness rates based on 2021-2023 data at or above twice the 2022 private sector average.
• Injury and illness rates markedly below industry averages.
• Failure to submit an OSHA Form 300A in 2023.

The new directive replaces the previous SST program directive issued on February 7, 2023. OSHA also uses national and local emphasis programs to target high-risk industries and hazards. Learn more about these emphasis programs.

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program provides free, confidential occupational safety and health services to help small- and medium-sized businesses identify workplace hazards, comply with OSHA standards, and establish and improve safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations.  

Learn more about OSHA.