1. Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management
  2. OSHA Field Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) Manual - Chapter 1

OSHA Field Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) Manual

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this Instruction is to define and implement a Field Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) and appropriate safety and health programs, as identified in the subsequent chapters, for OSHA.

    OSHA is responsible for ensuring that employees of the Agency have a safe and healthful workplace that complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Act and with OSHA standards. Establishing an effective SHMS appropriate to employees’ varied work responsibilities and workplace conditions is also an essential strategy to eliminate/control hazards before they lead to fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

  2. Scope

    This Instruction applies OSHA-wide.

    Due to the unique technical support the Health Response Team (HRT) provides to the field, it may develop policies and procedures, not covered by this Instruction, to protect HRT employees from specific hazards during work activities only the HRT is expected to conduct. These policies and procedures will comply with OSHA standards while allowing the HRT to provide support to the field during emergent or critical situations. The HRT is a branch of the Salt Lake Technical Center, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management.

  3. References

    1. Occupational Safety and Health Act, Public Law 91-596, December 29, 1970; as amended by Public Law 101-552, November 5, 1990; as amended by Public Law 105-241, September 29, 1998.

    2. Occupational Safety and Health Programs, Presidential Executive Order 12196, February 26, 1980.

    3. Regulations Relating to Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle B, Chapter XVII.

    4. Department of Labor Manual Series (DLMS) 4, Chapter 800, DOL Safety and Health Program.

    Note: See also Reference sections for individual chapters.

  4. Action Offices

    OSHA Regions, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, Directorate of Training and Education.

  5. Federal Program Change

    This instruction describes a Federal Program Change for which State adoption is not required.

  6. Changes to Existing MOUs

    Regions that have preexisting Memorandums Of Understanding (MOU) and/or safety and health management programs need to review them against this Safety and Health Management System to ensure consistency. The MOUs and any program portions that are not consistent need to be sent to the Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management with justification for why the deviation is necessary. A final determination will be made by the joint labor – management steering committee.