February 18, 2002—President Bush has requested a $437 million budget for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in FY 2003.
The budget request includes:
- $60.3 million for expanded outreach activities and compliance assistance, which includes training and information exchanges and technical assistance to employers;
- an increase of $250,000 for new computer-based outreach products, such as the agency’s “e-Tools”;
- $500,000 to increase technology-based training;
- $500,000 to improve compliance assistance training for OSHA’s frontline staff;
- $4 million for a new training grant program, replacing the current Susan Harwood grants program;
- $161.1 million in funds and personnel to focus resources on activities that have the greatest impact on worker safety and health;
- $1.5 million for state consultation programs to help small businesses reduce injuries and illnesses; and
- $14.2 million for the development, review and evaluation of safety and health standards.
OSHA anticipates it will conduct 1,300 more inspections in FY 2003 than this year, targeting inspections on the worst hazards and at the most dangerous workplaces.
You can read the President’s FY 2003 budget proposal at the White House Web site.
