OSHA Issues Site-Specific Targeting Plan for 2009

On September 4, 2009, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a press release regarding its Site-Specific Targeting program for 2009.  With the exception of construction worksites and establishments with fewer than 10 employees (which are not covered), the Site-Specific Targeting program is OSHA’s primary plan for conducting programmed workplace inspections.

Under the 2009 program, establishments have been divided into three industry sectors – manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing homes. Establishments are being targeted for inspection if their injury and illness rates exceed the threshold rates applicable to their industry sector. 

OSHA will review two different injury and illness rates for each establishment – the “DART” rate[1] (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred Rate) and the “DAFWII” case rate[2] (Days Away from Work Injury and Illness Case Rate).  An establishment with a DART rate or a DAFWII rate above the following thresholds will be placed on OSHA’s primary inspection list:

In the event that an OSHA Area Office completes inspections of all of the establishments on its primary inspection list before the expiration of the 2009 program, it may move to the secondary inspection list.  An establishment will be placed on the secondary inspection list if its DART rate or DAFWII rate exceeds the following thresholds:

Employers in the manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing home industries with high injury and illness rates should expect a programmed inspection in the next year. Such employers should analyze their injury and illness rates, identify the reasons their rates are elevated, and implement action plans to address those issues before OSHA appears at their door.  

A copy of the 2009 Site-Specific Targeting program can be found on the OSHA website at the following link: www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02_09-05.pdf.