The Miami Dade Police Department (MDPD) Occupational Health & Safety Unit (OHSU) is primarily responsible for:

• Ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local occupational and environmental safety and health regulations.
• Managing the development, administration and monitoring of all departmental safety procedures and programs.
• Serving as a liaison to outside agencies in all occupational health or safety issues.
• Providing support and technical assistance to all departmental elements regarding occupational health and safety matters.
• Conducting inquiries regarding questionable or unique accidents/incidents and making recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
• Providing regulatory compliance education regarding accident prevention.
• Developing and implementing an Integrated Emergency Response Health and Safety Program for hazardous waste sites.
• Responding to requests for health and safety inspections and /or technical assistance from departmental elements.

Additionally, the Departmental Safety Administrator (DSA), who operates out of the OHSU, is a member of the Headquarters Operations Committee, and is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the initial general safety program for the Headquarters complex. The DSA is an advisor to, and active member of the Departmental Safety Committee. The DSA  performs hazard analysis, advises supervisors and employees on safe work practices, and monitors conformance to departmental safety guidelines.  Consistent with professional protocol, the DSA reviews statistical reports, and develops formal documentation and/or certification to local, state and federal agencies.  As part of the overall Safety Program, the DSA also assists MDPD staff in the implementation of hazard abatement procedures, mitigation activities, regulatory compliance protocol, and develops training and project management safety programs.