July 30, 2001—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently launched a national emphasis program aimed at reducing occupational exposure to lead, one of the leading causes of workplace illnesses. Although the program will focus inspection efforts on worksites involved in lead-related activities, it will apply to all workplaces under OSHA’s jurisdiction including general industry, construction, long-shoring, maritime, and shipyards. Inspections will include establishments with fewer than ten employees. OSHA hopes to reduce occupational lead exposures by 15 percent by the end of FY2002.
The twenty-four states and two territories that operate their own OSHA programs are encouraged, but not required, to adopt a similar emphasis program. An OSHA directive on the program is available on OSHA’s Web site. For more information, call 202/693-1999.
