OSHA Safety Champions Program Launched

DOL News Releases

Published March 16th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has launched the new Safety Champions Program to help employers develop and implement effective workplace safety and health programs. This voluntary initiative offers a tiered structure to guide businesses in improving their safety practices.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced the launch of its new Safety Champions Program. This voluntary initiative aims to assist employers in developing and implementing robust safety and health programs through a tiered, progressive structure (Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced) aligned with OSHA's recommended practices. The program emphasizes seven key elements essential for effective safety programs: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation, and communication.

Employers are encouraged to participate in this cooperative initiative to proactively prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. While the program is voluntary and non-binding, successful completion is expected to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Interested parties can find more information and sign-up details on the OSHA website.

What to do next

Review the OSHA Safety Champions Program details on the OSHA website.
Evaluate current workplace safety and health programs against the seven emphasized elements.
Consider enrolling in the Safety Champions Program to enhance safety practices.

Source document (simplified)

News Release

US Department of Labor launches OSHA Safety Champions Program to advance workplace safety and health

WASHINGTON – In an effort to promote workplace safety, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced the launch of its Safety Champions Program, a new cooperative initiative designed to help employers develop and implement effective safety and health programs.

The Safety Champions Program meets businesses where they are on their pathway to safety and health success and encourages them to take proactive steps with a philosophy of continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

“The Department of Labor’s new Safety Champions Program exemplifies the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting and empowering job creators,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “By providing employers with these resources, we are putting American workers first and keeping them healthy and safe on the job.”

The program has three progressive steps: Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced, each aligned with OSHA’s recommended practices for safety and health programs. This tiered structure allows employers to build their safety and health programs over time and adopt best practices tailored to their needs and operations.

Participants can choose to work independently or collaborate with Special Government Employees – individuals with safety and health experience who work alongside OSHA to provide guidance and technical assistance.

The Safety Champions Program emphasizes seven elements that are essential for effective safety and health programs: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation, and communication. By incorporating these elements, employers can create safety and health programs that not only meet regulations but also enhance workplace safety and health.

Upon completion of all three levels of the Safety Champions Program, participants are expected to have implemented all seven elements and show plans for continuous improvement of their safety and health programs, thus demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Outreach materials will include detailed information on how to sign up for the program, making it easy for interested employers to become Safety Champions.

Learn more about the Safety Champions Program and how to sign up!

Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date March 16, 2026 Release Number 26-388-NAT Media Contact: Lorynn Holloway Phone Number (202) 693-4652 Email holloway.lorynn.n@dol.gov Media Contact: Kristen Knebel Phone Number 202-693-3435 Email knebel.kristen.cr@dol.gov Share This
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