April 1, 2010
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA program protects federal workers

WASHINGTON -- Hazardous federal worksites are the focus of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program 2010 (FEDTARG10). The nationwide program emphasizes workplace safety and health for federal workers and contractors supervised by federal personnel.

FEDTARG10 focused on the most dangerous federal agency workplaces that experienced high numbers of lost time injuries during fiscal 2009. Field inspectors conducted 59 inspections of high hazard federal worksites and found 336 violations of OSHA safety and health standards. The top three standards cited were electrical, respiratory protection and hazard communications. The 336 violations cited were more than twice the number cited in 2008, indicating the necessity for the FEDTARG program.

"The right to safe and healthful working conditions is not limited to private industry workers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "Workplace safety also extends to those working for the federal government. Continuing the targeting of federal workplaces assures consistent workplace safety standards in federal and private sectors."

This program began in 2008 in response to a Government Accountability Office audit report that recommended the agency develop a targeted inspection program for federal worksites.

OSHA's Office of Federal Agency Programs (FAP) represents the federal sector regarding occupational safety and health issues. The FAP provides federal agencies with guidance for implementing effective occupational safety and health programs.

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 assure 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.

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