The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released its 2017–2021 Strategic Plan, which includes an updated mission and vision statement that will guide the activities and objectives of the CSB.

The CSB’s mission to: “Drive chemical safety change through independent investigations to protect people and the environment,” supports the agency’s vision of: “A nation safe from chemical disasters.”

CSB Chairperson Vanessa Allen Sutherland said, “With the successful execution of our mission and strategic goals, the CSB will continue to share critical safety lessons with industry, workers, and stakeholders to help us reach our shared responsibility of creating a nation safe from chemical disasters.”

The CSB’s updated strategic plan was developed in part using information provided by stakeholders in industry, labor, environmental, standard-setting and public health organizations, academia, and other government agencies. Each strategic goal includes objectives and performance metrics to measure progress. The three strategic goals are: 

Goal 1: Prevent recurrence of significant chemical incidents through independent investigations

Goal 2: Advocate safety and achieve change through recommendations, outreach and education

Goal 3: Create and maintain an engaged, high-performing workforce

The 2017–2021 Strategic Plan is a blueprint for CSB priorities and will allow the agency to allocate resources to promote accountability for our mission. As the agency moves forward with implementation of its Strategic Plan, the board and staff are dedicated to reaching broad audiences and delivering innovative and persuasive safety products that will help prevent future incidents.

The strategic plan was approved unanimously by CSB board members and is now available at www.csb.gov.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical incidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.

The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to facility management, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Visit our website, www.csb.gov.