OSHA Field Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) Manual

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

  1. Purpose

    The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the OSHA SHMS Manual, which implements an inclusive Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) for all OSHA Field personnel.

    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. The chapters within the OSHA SHMS Manual will bring awareness of a variety of safety and health topics and hazards of the workplace. Establishing an effective SHMS appropriate to employees’ varied work responsibilities and workplace conditions is an essential strategy to eliminate/control hazards before they lead to injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

  2. Scope

    The program applies to all OSHA personnel within regional, area, district, or satellite OSHA offices and other OSHA organizational units (i.e., Cincinnati Technical Center (CTC), Salt Lake Technical Center (SLTC), Office of Training and Education (OTE)) covered by the OSHA SHMS Program for the Field.

  3. Applicability

    Each chapter of SHMS, excluding Chapter 1, has sections for purpose, scope, references, definitions, responsibilities, procedures, training, and record keeping. Additional sections will be included in the subsequent chapters, as necessary. This OSHA instruction, ADM 04-00-003, describes a Federal Program Change for which State adoption is not required. The OSHA SHMS is designed to be complementary to specialized technical training. All specialized training topics will be provided apart from the OSHA SHMS Manual and for employees who may encounter unique hazards or need to conduct unique or specific tasks associated with a particular job, industry, or hazard.

  4. References
  5. Definitions

    OSHA Field/Field – Regional, area, district, or satellite OSHA offices and other OSHA organizational units (i.e., CTC, SLTC, OTE).

    OSHA Field personnel – All OSHA employees (permanent, temporary, contract employees) and managers of an OSHA regional, area, district, or satellite office, or other OSHA organizational units (i.e., CTC, SLTC, OTE); whether remote or in person.

    OSHA SHMS Executive Steering Committee (SHMS ESC/ESC) - National joint labor and management steering committee that advocates for OSHA SHMS in the Field.

    Note: The development, implementation, and evaluation of OSHA’s Field SHMS are achieved through a cooperative effort between labor and management to prevent occupational injuries, illnesses, and death and minimize loss of material resources. The SHMS ESC consists of three National Council of Field Labor Locals, AFGE, AFL-CIO representatives, and three executive field management representatives. Changes to the SHMS or programs that alter SHMS or safety and health program policies require SHMS ESC’s review and approval. However, changes related to the implementation of SHMS may be made with the local SHMS committee approval.

  6. Responsibilities

    It is the policy of OSHA to provide a safe and healthful work environment for all personnel. Additionally, it is OSHA’s policy to provide the same safe and healthful environment for all visitors. The development, implementation, and evaluation of this SHMS shall be a cooperative effort between labor and management to prevent injuries, illnesses, and death from work-related causes. The information contained in this SHMS shall be used to assist personnel in carrying out best practices to maintain a safe and healthful working environment.

    This SHMS establishes the framework of a continuing process for providing occupational safety and health guidelines and information for all OSHA personnel to have available for use inside and outside of the work environment. OSHA’s commitment is to ensure continuous improvement by establishing procedures for annual self-evaluation and follow-up for any deficiencies. The safety, health, and well-being of OSHA’s personnel and visitors are a shared responsibility. Management will ensure proper training and dedicate the time necessary for successful implementation of all aspects of this program.

  7. Training

    See SHMS Chapter 2: Safety and Health Management System; Section IX – Training

  8. Record Keeping

    See SHMS Chapter 2: Safety and Health Management System; Section IX.C. – Record Keeping