OSHA launches ‘hazard huddle’ challenge

OSHA’s newly launched Hazard Huddle Challenge encourages managers to talk to workers about workplace safety hazards. The challenge is part of OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign which raises awareness about the importance of workplace safety and health (S&H) programs.

To gain a range of expertise, OSHA says that managers should assemble workers with “varied experience levels and roles.” While meeting with workers, some of the questions that managers should ask include:

• Where have you or your co-workers had “close calls” that could have caused an injury? What happened?
• Describe a worst-case scenario for an injury on the job. Where and how might this happen?
• What jobs typically are assigned to newer and less experienced staff? How could they get hurt performing those tasks?

During these meetings, managers should take notes to determine where a job hazard analysis might be needed. Managers should also inform workers whose jobs may be impacted before implementing hazard controls.

Challenge participants can highlight their actions and progress on social media with the hashtag #SafeAndSoundAtWork.