The main goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardships these events can cause for workers, their families, and employers. Our recommended practice is a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health. Traditional approaches are often reactive and are addressed only after a worker is injured or becomes sick, a new standard or regulation is published, or an inspector finds a problem that must be fixed. Recognizing and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness is a far more effective approach.