The Obama Administration's initial budget proposal for FY2010 includes a funding increase of $27 million for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The recently passed economic stimulus bill contains $80 million for the enforcement of worker protection laws and regulations, oversight and coordination activities.

This increase in funding along with recent comments made by US Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis suggests more emphasis will be placed on the enforcement of workplace safety regulations. The following changes are likely under the new administration:

• Increased number of inspections to enforce OSHA standards
• Less focus on cooperative programs, such as the Voluntary Protection Program
• Development of new OSHA standards, possibly including ergonomics
• Increase in average penalty amounts for serious violations
• Increased funding for state-run OSHA programs
• Less opportunity for employers to negotiate penalty amounts

An OSHA inspection typically includes a review of your company's injury and illness records, written safety program documentation, safety training records and a site inspection to identify physical hazards or unsafe work practices.

Employers that are also Safety Trainers clients rest easy knowing that they have access to a team of Risk and Safety experts to help them comply with OSHA requirements and prepare for inspections. Safety Trainers also provides guidance, training and other resources for developing proactive workplace safety programs.

When You team up with Safety Trainers you can focus on your core business in this challenging economic and regulatory environment while we take on the compliance burden. We deliver the expertise, tools and resources you need to handle all safety management issues - and realize significant strategic benefits.

For a free consultation with Safety Trainers, including an evaluation of your existing safety programs and compliance needs, please call me Darcy Cook at 508-799-2857or email me at darcy@safetytrainers.com.

Sincerely,

Darcy Cook, President/CEO