For more information, go to: Text of CSB Strategic Plan for FY 2004-2008

Statement of CSB Chairman Carolyn W. Merritt:

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is an independent Federal agency with the mission of investigating major chemical releases and issuing safety recommendations.

CSB is a scientific investigatory agency; it is not an enforcement or regulatory organization. CSB makes recommendations to private industry; to trade and professional associations; and to local, state, and Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the U.S. Department of Labor. EPA and OSHA regulate the chemical industry and other industries that use chemicals.

CSB stakeholders include chemical companies; labor unions; trade and professional associations; insurance companies; environmental groups; and local, state, and Federal agencies. Our shared interest is preventing chemical accidents and making the country a safer place to live.

The CSB mission is clear Â? to promote the prevention of chemical incidents. In our first Strategic Plan (for FY2001Â?2005), we set a goal of initiating five investigations each year. In 2002, we completed four investigation reports and one case study.

Over the past year, we increased the number of investigators on staff. With additional experienced staff, we have set a goal of producing 12 safety products each year. In addition to investigation reports, these products include case studies, hazard studies, and safety bulletins.

We cannot measure our success just by the number of reports we issue. Success is also contingent on the wide dissemination and implementation of safety recommendations from those investigations. We will continue to ensure that our recommendations reach the appropriate audience and are acted upon.

To accomplish our mission, CSB must maintain a highly motivated, productive staff that is experienced, trained, and enthusiastic about our goals.

Over the next 5 years, we will continue to work diligently to reduce risks to workers, the public, and the environment.

Goal 1

The first mission goal focuses on the principal role of CSB - investigating major chemical incidents and producing timely, high quality investigation reports, recommendations, and other technical products.

Beginning in 2004, CSB expects to complete 12 investigations and other safety products each year. Effective coordination and partnering with industry, union, and local, state, and Federal entities are critical to meeting this goal.

Investigation reports contain well-reasoned and precisely targeted recommendations to prevent chemical incidents, protect workers, and ensure public safety. The primary metrics for this goal are the number of products generated each year and their technical quality, based on the reviews of our constituents.

Goal 2

The second mission goal focuses on the wide implementation of safety recommendations. By 2008, CSB expects to achieve acceptance of 80 percent of its recommendations. In addition, CSB will strategically disseminate its work products and recommendations to targeted audiences by developing more effective relationships with stakeholder groups and representatives. The acceptance rate of safety recommendations and customer surveys will be used to measure our success.

Goal 3

The third mission goal focuses on maintaining a high performing work force through comprehensive training programs, teambuilding, and individual skills development for all employees; reviewing and updating administrative and personnel policies; and developing and implementing a safety and health plan.

CSB is confident that it can accomplish its FY 2008 goal of a well-managed work force. Our employees are highly motivated and dedicated to the CSB mission. The agency is committed to continual improvement in the management of human resources.