More Focus on High-Hazard Jobs & Risks to Non-English Speaking Workers

John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), recently announced that his agency's enforcement efforts will increase in Fiscal Year 2002, with more inspections targeting workplaces where injury and illness rates are the highest. OSHA plans to conduct a total of 36,400 inspections in FY02, up from slightly less than 35,800 inspection in FY01 and roughly 36,000 inspections in FY00.

OSHA's increased commitment to enforcement activities is a critical component of Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao's overall strategy to strengthen worker protections. OSHA is increasing its enforcement focus by targeting workplaces where injury and illness rates are highest and hazards are known.

OSHA will also put more enforcement focus on industries where non-English speaking workers are at greatest risk, such as construction. Henshaw noted that OSHA's increased commitment to enforcement and added resources in targeted areas will enable the agency to better meet its goals.