OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
February 9, 1989
Mr. J.D. Hammer
President, International
Association of Labour Inspection
Secretariat General
66, rue de Mouzaia
75935 Paris CEDEX 19
FRANCE
Dear Mr. Hammer:
Enclosed for your information and action is a Completed survey questionnaire concerning the use of computers by inspectors during enforcement. Your letter was forwarded to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the U.S. Department of labor for a response.
The answers to your questionnaire only pertain to OSHA programs and jurisdiction. Many of your questions apply to other government agencies. For example, much of the safety and health enforcement for nuclear safety comes under the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Safety and health conditions for employees working within quarrying and mining fall under the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Offshore energy safety and health enforcement is done by the Coast Guard. Employee wage and retirement programs are enforced by the Employment Standards Administration (ESA). Accident and fatality rates by industry are gathered and tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Information concerning worker compensation costs comes from state agencies responsible for operating programs within their respective states.
For your assistance, I have enclosed a listing of the names and addresses of various federal agencies mentioned above. You may want to Contact them and gather data concerning how their computer systems work and process information.
I hope you have a successful spring conference.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Baier
Director
Directorate of Technical Support