Minnesota, along with 25 other states, has a state run OSHA program. This means that part of the funding comes from the federal program and part comes from the individual states (it is not funded through OSHA citations, though). Employers in Minnesota, including government entities, must comply with all federal regulations, along with some state specific programs, such as Right to Know (federally it is hazard communication), and the AWAIR program. Federal OSHA oversees the Minnesota program, tracking and monitoring what they do.
The State of Nevada also has a state run program. A high rate of fatalities led federal OSHA to review Nevada’s program, finding a number of serious deficiencies–OSHA inspectors not being properly trained, inspectors not citing willful and repeat violations, and failure to conduct follow up inspections.
Because of the shortcomings found in the review of Nevada’s program, OSHA will be conducting an evaluation of all state run programs. They are looking at greater oversight and monitoring of the programs.
You can read more about Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor Jordan Barab’s comments to Congress in this OSHA press release.
If you have questions about this post, or other safety concerns, please contact CHESS at carkey@chess-safety.com or 651-481-9787.