Photo: OSHA
Washington — OSHA has published updated policies and procedures on Special Government Employees who work with the agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs and its new Safety Champions Program.
“The manual outlines the requirements for these SGEs to apply for, receive training on and participate in SGE activities,” the executive summary for the manual states. “As used in this manual, SGE refers to an individual meeting the requirements of 18 U.S.C. 202(a), who has been approved and trained by OSHA to assist OSHA in conducting VPP and/or SCP qualifying activities.
“While participating in SGE activities, an SGE is held to the same ethical and legal standards as a federal government employee.”
The March 25 directive details “significant changes” to the manual, including:
- Deadlines to apply to become an SGE are changing to monthly (the 15th of each month) from quarterly.
- Application forms will be provided on OSHA’s website for electronic submission.
- OSHA’s Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs – instead of the Directorate of Administrative Programs – will have oversight of the SGE Program.
The manual also includes information on qualifications and eligibility criteria for SGEs.
“SGEs need not be safety and health professionals. They may be hourly employees or individuals who have experience implementing an effective safety and health program,” OSHA writes.
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication