American Society of Safety Professionals is your source for insights on trends in the safety profession, including developments in safety management, worker safety, government and regulatory affairs and standards.
On September 3, 2025, ASSP participated in OSHA’s 8th Annual Alliance Program Forum at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together national alliance partners to discuss the future of cooperative programs, compliance assistance and emerging workplace safety challenges.
OSHA leadership emphasized the agency’s commitment to expanding collaborative approaches to safety, with Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Amanda Wood Laihow highlighting new initiatives during the forum. She highlighted efforts to make compliance assistance more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses, including improved tools like Letters of Interpretation and updates to penalty and debt collection policies. OSHA also announced development of a new “Pathway to Safety and Health Success,” which will include expanded outreach, a reimagined Safety Champions Program and enhanced recognition for longstanding Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) sites. More information to come soon.
Speakers from across OSHA’s directorates and NIOSH provided updates on critical safety priorities. Topics included persistent construction hazards such as falls, trenching and heat illness, as well as non-traditional concerns like workplace stress, suicide prevention and opioid misuse in the construction workforce. Enforcement leaders also discussed targeted programs focused on high-risk industries and OSHA’s evolving regulatory agenda, including rulemaking on heat illness prevention and emergency response.
The forum also showcased the achievements of alliance partners. Notably, ASSP was recognized for collaborating with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) on new resources addressing noise exposure. These projects highlight the impact of alliances in creating resources that directly benefit workers and employers.
ASSP continues to bring the voice of our members to these conversations, ensuring that occupational environmental, health and safety professionals are represented as OSHA develops new initiatives and policies. By participating in these forums, we reinforce our shared mission: advancing safety through leadership, expertise and collaboration.