OSHA Chief Vows to Continue Past Policies

Occupational Hazards Jonathan Snare, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, affirmed that OSHA will continue to expand voluntary programs while maintaining "strong, fair and effective enforcement."

"OSHA is committed to expanding education, outreach and compliance assistance," Snare told conference attendees.

As evidence of this commitment, Snare cited the $1 million increase for state compliance assistance programs in the president's proposed 2006 budget.

OSHA's enforcement program will be maintained at its current level, with the same number of projected inspections as last year, according to Snare. The proposed 2006 enforcement budget, after allowing for inflation, also will remain the same as last year.