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MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

The Presidential POWER Initiative: Protecting Our Workers and Ensuring Reemployment

This memorandum establishes the 4-year POWER Initiative (fiscal years 2011-2014) to improve federal workplace safety and health by setting aggressive performance targets for reducing injuries and illnesses, speeding workers' compensation claims, and accelerating return-to-work for injured federal civilian employees. The Secretary of Labor is directed to lead the initiative, measure government-wide and agency-level performance, and report annually to the President.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 43029

Impact dates

  1. Annual performance reports to President

  2. POWER Initiative coverage period ends (FY2014)

Key directives

  • Each executive department and agency (except USPS) shall coordinate with DOL's OSHA and OWCP to establish performance targets in seven specified categories
  • Secretary of Labor shall lead POWER Initiative by measuring Government-wide and agency-level performance
  • Secretary of Labor shall report to President annually
  • Each agency shall bear its own costs for participating

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Agencies instructed to coordinate with DOL to establish performance targets

Near term (90d)

  • Initial performance target establishment with OSHA and OWCP

Long term

  • Annual reporting to President through FY2014
  • 4-year performance improvement period

Risks & tensions

  • No enforcement mechanism specified beyond annual reporting; relies on voluntary coordination
  • Agencies bear own costs, creating potential budget tension without dedicated funding
  • Exclusion of USPS may create coverage gap for large federal workforce segment
  • Standard savings clause limits memorandum's legal force
Presidential Memorandum: The Presidential POWER Initiative: Protecting Our Workers and Ensuring Reemployment · Executive Orders