Through OSHA Challenge, launched in 2004 as a pilot program, OSHA provides participating employers and workers an avenue to work with their designated Challenge Administrators to develop and/or improve their safety and health management program. Challenge participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections.

Through OSHA Challenge, OSHA-approved volunteer third party Challenge Administrators collaborate with participating employers to improve their safety and health management programs through mentoring, training and progress tracking.

OSHA Challenge's three stages guide Challenge participants from the initial planning and development process through the implementation of an effective safety and health management program.

Stage I (Assess, Learn, and Develop)

• Challenge participants learn the elements necessary to develop and implement an effective safety and health management program. Challenge participants:
  • Assess performance of existing safety and health programs and policies;
  • Provide training to management and workers; and
  • Develop strategies, programs, and policies.

Stage II (Implement, Track, and Control)

• Challenge participants complete and implement policies and programs developed in Stage I. Challenge participants:
  • Continue to enhance and develop their safety and health management program;
  • Implement and improve their safety and health management program; and
  • Begin to incorporate policies for contractor/special trade contractor safety and health management program requirements.

Stage III (Reassess, Monitor, and Improve)

• Challenge participants monitor, reassess, and continuously improve their safety and health management program.

Challenge participants who complete Stage III have safety and health management programs that are consistent with OSHA's Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (1989 Guidelines) and include:

• Management Leadership and Worker Involvement
• Worksite Analysis
• Hazard Prevention and Control
• Safety and Health Training

After each stage completion, OSHA will provide Challenge participants with letters of recognition.

Benefits of participating in OSHA Challenge:

• Increased focus on worker safety and health at all levels of the Challenge participant's organization.
• Increased worker involvement in safety and health issues.
• Increased chances of being contracted by a company due to having an effective safety and health management program (also known as "preferred bidders status").
• Increased profitability by providing better leverage for negotiating liability insurance and Workers' Compensation premiums.
• Improved and/or revised safety and health policies and procedures.
• Creation of a collaborative and positive relationship with OSHA.