Henry Wright in his main argument “Do they work, or do they just discourage employees from reporting injuries” about the latest memorandum of OSHA’s fire preventive program is quite compelling and inspirational (Wright, 2012). However, the issue he has tackled is too broad to discuss on details. Mainly, the preventive programs have an existing policy and some of these regulations are not strictly implemented in a company. There is a sizeable chance that employees are not aware of the content of the programs and misunderstand the entire rules of the policy.
First, the article mentions the latest memorandum of OSHA preventive programs issued on 12th of May 2012 under section 11 c. It prohibits an employer to discriminate an employee who reported illnesses or injury incident in the company. But, if other employee retaliating the injury incident or reporting them without consent of the co-employee, then they still violating the Section 11 c (Fairfax, 2012). This is to protect the image of the company, employees, and the employer. According to the author, the issue is keenly addressed to the company, so they have time to change the individual rules of company’s safety policy. The amendment is not only for the whistleblower but covers the entire working station. In which, on the same hand practices the right of an individual and protect them, as well. But the author asked, “Do they work, or do they just discourage employees from reporting injuries”. Based on his article, he believes that OSHA’s new amendment is one sided policy if one looks on a different view (Wright, 2012).
And to support his argument, he sites an example of a worker who happens to cut his finger on working hours. Instead of reporting the incident, he chooses to keep quiet. It has two different reasons. The first one probably afraid to shorten his working hours, which results to decrease of his income and the second reason is simply he’s not used to it. The safety regulations are not properly introduced to the employees. Therefore, they have no idea to what extent they can help to the company (Wright, 2012).
In one’s point view, the article though is truly informative and gives relevance to the issue he has raised. He clearly introduce the thesis of the topic and give related details of the regulations. He also mentioned the positive side of the amendment, which focuses on practicing a safety working station; following the rules diligently without compromising the Section 11 c of OSHA new regulations and learned to investigate the incident before reporting the entire details.
On the other hand, the negative side is also illustrated, which gives an easier job to the OSHA higher position holders and employers may take advantage of the situation. Instead of room for improvement for safeties, which adds on the company’s expenses, they preferred to give gifts to shut their mouth.
Work Cited
Fairfax, R. (2012, March 12). Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/whistleblowermemo.html
Wright, H. (2012, September 1). Occupational Health & Safety. Retrieved from http://ohsonline.com/articles/2012/09/01/oshas-stance-on-safety-incentive-programs.aspx
