OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by promulgating and enforcing standards and regulations; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health as well as the development of comprehensive safety and health management systems. Effective and efficient use of resources requires careful, flexible planning. In this way, the overall goal of hazard abatement and employee protection is best served. This Instruction establishes a Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employees. The Instruction also establishes safety and health programs as identified in subsequent chapters for Regional implementation. Employee participation is a key element of any successful SHMS. It is the intent of this program that all employees will participate in all aspects including reporting hazards, incidents, and injury/illness without fear of reprisal. The purpose of this Instruction is to define and implement a Field Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) and appropriate safety and health programs, as identified in the subsequent chapters, for OSHA. OSHA is responsible for ensuring that employees of the Agency have a safe and healthful workplace that complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Act and with OSHA standards. Establishing an effective SHMS appropriate to employees' varied work responsibilities and workplace conditions is also an essential strategy to eliminate/control hazards before they lead to fatalities, injuries and illnesses.