Information resources safety performance measurement

Under this system, it is essential that data recorded by employers be uniform and accurate to assure the consistency and validity of the statistical data which are used by OSHA for many purposes, including inspection targeting, performance measurement under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), standards development, resource allocation. Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) eligibility, and low-hazard industry exemptions. The data also aid employers, employees, and compliance officers in analyzing the safety and health environment at the employer s establishment and is the source of information for the OSHA Data Initiative (ODI) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Annual Survey. 

Ultimately, the data you record need be uniform and accurate to assure the consistency and validity of the statistical data reported to OSHA. Accurate records are used for many purposes, including audits, performance measurement, program improvement, and resource allocation to critical operations. This information can also help utilities analyze their health, safety, and environment and make improvements where necessary. 

Accident research and practical safety work in factories and workshops has so far primarily been conducted from an engineering point of view. Its goal has been the improvement of technical precautions. Thus, it has been possible to reduce the number of accidents by means of constructive and resourceful measures. The procedure used has been essential and successful, but is not sufficient. It does not take the manifold psychological and organizational problems into account, which are important to accident histories. These are, to name only a few, the inadequate acceptance of technical safety precautions, too little information to be able to work safely, limits to the human capacities for perception and information processing, pressure resulting from too little time or from compulsion to perform. Problem areas of this type can not be overlooked when work on safety is being done. 

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