US Department of Labor launches OSHA Safety Champions Program to advance workplace safety and health
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
March 16, 2026
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.
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