January 24, 2013
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA releases 2013 targeted inspection plan to protect federal workers

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued its annual inspection plan of federal agency establishments under its Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program* directive for fiscal year 2013.

FEDTARG directs programmed inspections of federal agency establishments where a high number of employees have been absent due to injuries they incurred at work.

The directive outlines the procedures for carrying out programmed inspections at these federal worksites. OSHA will inspect all establishments reporting 100 or more cases where a worker is away from work due to injury during fiscal year 2012; 50 percent of those establishments reporting 50 to 99 cases; and 10 percent of those reporting 20 to 49 cases.

The FEDTARG13 directive clarifies how OSHA develops the inspection lists and includes a new standard from U.S Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.

The inspection targeting program began in 2008 in response to a Government Accountability Office audit report that recommended that OSHA develop a targeted inspection program for federal worksites. Executive Order 12196, Occupational Safety and Health Programs for Federal Employees, requires Federal OSHA to "conduct unannounced inspections of agency workplaces when the Secretary determines necessary if an agency does not have occupational safety and health committees; or in response to reports of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions.¿

OSHA's Office of Federal Agency Programs provides leadership and guidance to the heads of federal agencies to assist them with their occupational safety and health responsibilities.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

* Accessibility Assistance: Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.