Standards Comparison

    SAFe

    Voluntary
    2023

    Framework for scaling Lean-Agile in large enterprises

    VS

    OSHA

    Mandatory
    1970

    US federal regulation for workplace safety standards

    Quick Verdict

    SAFe scales Agile for enterprise software delivery, boosting speed and alignment voluntarily. OSHA mandates workplace safety regulations across industries, enforcing hazard controls via inspections. Companies adopt SAFe for agility gains; OSHA to avoid fines and ensure worker protection.

    Agile Scaling

    SAFe

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 6.0)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Agile Release Trains coordinate 50-125 cross-functional teams
    • 8-12 week Program Increments enable predictable value delivery
    • 10 immutable Lean-Agile principles guide enterprise scaling
    • Seven core competencies foster Business Agility holistically
    • Four configurations scale from Essential to Full SAFe
    Occupational Safety

    OSHA

    Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • General Duty Clause for recognized hazards
    • Hierarchy of controls prioritization
    • Industry-specific standards (1910, 1926)
    • Injury recordkeeping and reporting
    • Enforcement inspections and penalties

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    SAFe Details

    What It Is

    Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe 6.0) is a comprehensive framework for scaling Lean-Agile practices across enterprises. It integrates Agile, Lean, and systems thinking to align strategy, execution, and operations in large-scale software and IT environments, focusing on Business Agility through configurable levels from team to portfolio.

    Key Components

    • **Agile Release Trains (ARTs)50-125 people delivering value in Program Increments (PIs) of 8-12 weeks.
    • 10 Lean-Agile principles and seven core competencies (e.g., Lean-Agile Leadership, Continuous Learning Culture).
    • Key roles: Release Train Engineer (RTE), Product Management; events like PI Planning; artifacts: Vision, Roadmaps, PI Objectives.
    • Four configurations: Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full SAFe. No formal certification for framework, but SAFe Agilist/RTE trainings via academy.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives faster time-to-market (20-50%), productivity gains (30-75%), quality improvements. Enables compliance in regulated industries (GDPR, SOC 2) via embedded governance. Builds stakeholder trust through alignment, reduces risks via ROAM analysis, fosters competitive agility in software/IT ops.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased roadmap: value stream mapping, leadership training (SAFe Agilist), ART launches, Inspect & Adapt. Applies to large enterprises in IT/software; tools like Jira Align, Vanta. Suited for 100+ teams; voluntary adoption with SPC coaching for success.

    OSHA Details

    What It Is

    OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a US federal regulation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It enforces workplace safety and health standards across industries via 29 CFR Parts 1910 (general industry), 1926 (construction), and others. Its risk-based approach uses specific standards, the General Duty Clause, and a hierarchy of controls (elimination to PPE) to prevent hazards.

    Key Components

    • Subparts covering walking surfaces, PPE, HazCom, LOTO, toxic substances.
    • Over 1,000 standards with performance-based requirements.
    • **Core principlesemployer/employee duties, recordkeeping (Forms 300/300A/301), inspections.
    • **Compliance modelenforced via citations, penalties; no central certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Legal mandate prevents fines up to $165K.
    • Reduces injuries, workers' comp costs.
    • Builds reputation, aids ESG, talent retention.

    Implementation Overview

    • **Phasedgap analysis, programs (IIPP), training, audits.
    • Applies to most US employers; scales by size/industry.
    • Ongoing audits, no formal certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SAFe
    Scaling Agile for enterprise software/IT
    OSHA
    Workplace safety/health hazard prevention

    Industry

    SAFe
    Software, IT operations, enterprises
    OSHA
    All general industry, construction, maritime

    Nature

    SAFe
    Voluntary Lean-Agile framework
    OSHA
    Mandatory federal regulations enforced

    Testing

    SAFe
    PI planning, Inspect & Adapt workshops
    OSHA
    Inspections, audits, recordkeeping reviews

    Penalties

    SAFe
    No legal penalties, implementation risks
    OSHA
    Fines up to $165k, criminal charges

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SAFe and OSHA

    SAFe FAQ

    OSHA FAQ

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