Leading And Learning Through Safety

Dr. Mark French discusses the contentious topic of OSHA's "one size fits all" approach to lawmaking. He emphasizes that while this standardized approach may sometimes seem rigid and frustrating, it is fundamentally designed to protect workers and prevent fatalities. Dr. French acknowledges the common criticism that such laws do not account for the unique circumstances of different industries or organizations. However, he argues that these regulations are based on extensive research and data, often written in response to significant human harm and workplace deaths.He uses the analogy of speed limits to illustrate his point: regardless of the vehicle, the same speed limit applies to ensure safety. Similarly, OSHA regulations set a baseline for safety that organizations should meet or exceed. Dr. French underscores the importance of these laws as the first layer of defense in protecting workers, suggesting that good organizations should strive to go beyond mere compliance to mitigate risks more ef