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GRASSROOTS
Workplace Protection
OSHSPA Grassroots Worker Protection



Occupational Safety & Health State Plan Association



July 23, 2009


Once again it gives me great pleasure to write the introductory letter to the Occupational Safety and Healthy State Plan Association’s annual edition of Grassroots Worker Protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 recognized existing state programs and encouraged state efforts to assure safe and healthful workplaces. The key priority of State Plans remains as singular as it was when a number of states developed programs in the early 1900s: to ensure that employers provide safe and healthful workplaces.

The Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association (OSHSPA) represents the 26 states and U.S. territories that operate a State Plan under OSHA approval. OSHSPA serves as a link between the 26 state programs and facilitates liaison with federal OSHA. Collaboration among states, federal OSHA, employers and workers is a key factor in preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job.

State Plans have been in a position to develop innovative grassroots solutions for issues such as voluntary compliance, ergonomics, crane safety, injury and illness prevention programs, heat illness prevention, site-specific inspection targeting, and workplace security. The historic declines in on-the job injuries, illnesses and fatalities can be attributed in part to solutions developed by State Plan Programs.

States choosing to operate a State Plan contribute a significant amount toward funding the OSHA program. Congress envisioned that states would receive 50% funding for State Plans. In 2007, State Plans provided matching funds for $91 million in federal funds and expended an additional $58 million in “overmatch” funds required to fully support the state programs.

As demographics of the workforce change and workplaces evolve to adapt to a changing economy and emerging technologies, State Plan Programs will rise to the challenge to meet new demands for innovative approaches to improve safety and health of workers.

Sincerely,



Victoria E. Heza
OSHSPA Chairperson
Chair

Victoria E. Heza
California
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Occupational Safety
and Health
2000 E. McFadden Ave. #214
Santa Ana, CA 92705
vheza@dir.ca.gov
714.558.4411 Phone
714.558.4431 Fax

Vice Chair

Kevin Beauregard
North Carolina
Department of Labor
Division of Occupational safety
and Health
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1101
kevin.beauregard@labor.nc.gov
919.807.2861 Phone
919.807.2855 Fax

Past Chair

Stephen M. Chair
Washington
Department of Labor &
Industries
Division of Occupational Safety
& Health
P.O. Box 44600
Olympia, WA 98504-4600
cant235@Lni.wa.gov
360.902.9166 Phone
360.902.5619 Fax

Directors

Maureen Cox
New York

Douglas J. Kalinowski
Michigan

Dottie Ison
South Carolina

Butch Tongate
New Mexico

 
U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for
Occupational Safety and Health
Washington, D.C. 20210		 DOL Seal
I am please to write the introductory letter to the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association's 2009 edition of Grassroots Workplace Protection. This year's report documents the significant contributions made by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's 26 State Plan partners in FY 2008 to the protection of America's working men and women.

Through workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities are at historically low levels, far too many workers do not come home from work safe and whole at the end of the day. OSHA and its State partners have accomplished much, but clearly have much more to do. We need strong standards to protect workers--standards that make sense-- and we also need vigorous enforcement.  Federal OSHA is moving full speed ahead in both areas. This does not mean that we do not see benefit in cooperative programs with companies and associations who will work with us constructively. These will continue, but enforcement must be our primary focus.

The State Plans have worked closely with OSHA over the years. I am impressed with the talent, ideas and professionalism of our State Plan partners, and their innovative approaches. Together, we have a new opportunity to commit ourselves to conduct more inspections with greater consistency in industries with the high test injury-illness rates, and at establishments with the most severe violations.

Together, as one OSHA, we can make workplaces safer and save more lives.

Sincerely,

Jordan Barab
Acting Assistant Secretary



Table of Contents: 2009 OSHSPA Report

OSHSPA States protecting workers

OSHSPA States at a glance

OSHSPA Numbers at a glance

Alaska
Arizona
California
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Puerto Rico
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington

OSHSPA Directory

OSHSPA Board of Directors


Produced by:

Oregon OSHA’s Standards and Technical Resources section.
Patricia Young designed the publication.
Mark Peterson was the copy editor.
Ellis Brasch edited and compiled the states' reports.

Questions or comments about Grassroots 2009.
Contact Ellis Brasch at ellis.k.brasch@state.or.us.