1952.320—Description of the plan as initially approved.
(a)
(1)
The plan identifies the Indiana Division of Labor as the State agency designated to implement and carry out the State plan. Within this structure, the Occupational Safety Standards Commission has the responsibility to adopt standards and dispose of variance applications; the Commissioner of Labor is charged with the administration and enforcement of the Act; and the Board of Safety Review is to conduct and decide contested cases. The State Board of Health, Industrial Hygiene Division, pursuant to an agreement with the Division of Labor will provide laboratory services and will conduct occupational health inspections as scheduled by the Division of Labor.
(2)
The plan defines the covered occupational safety and health issues as defined by the Secretary of Labor in 29 CFR 1902.2(c)(1). Further, Indiana has adopted all Federal safety and health standards contained in 29 CFR parts 1910 and 1926. The State program is to extend its protection to all employees in the State including those employed by it and its political subdivisions.
(b)
The plan includes existing enabling legislation and the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act (IC 1971, 22-8-1.1 et seq.) as well as amendments to this Act which were passed and became effective on May 1, 1973. Under the Act as amended the Division of Labor has authority to administer and enforce the provisions of the State plan.
(c)
The legislation provides procedures for the promulgation of standards; furnishing information to employees on hazardous and toxic substances; and procedures for granting temporary and permanent variances. The law also contains procedures for inspections including inspections in response to complaints; ensures employer and employee representatives an opportunity to accompany inspectors and to call attention to possible violations before, during and after inspections; protection of employees against discharge or discrimination in terms or conditions of employment through court suits brought by the Attorney General at the request of the Commissioner; notice to employees of their protections and obligations under the State law; prompt restraint of imminent danger situations; safeguard to protect trade secrets; prompt notice to employers and employees of alleged violations of standards and abatement requirements; effective sanctions against employers; and employer right to review of alleged violations, abatement periods, and proposed penalties with an opportunity for employee participation and employee right of review of such abatement periods.
(d)
The plan also contains a voluntary compliance program. The State will conduct seminars, conferences and meetings designed for management, supervisory personnel, employees and union representatives to transmit information about its safety and health program. These programs are specifically designed to cover the following areas: general industrial safety, construction safety, first aid instruction, supervisory safety training, hazard recognition, Indiana occupational health and safety laws, federal occupational safety and health laws, State health and safety standards, injury and illness reporting procedures requirements, rights and obligations to employers and employees, enforcement programs. On-site consultation services will be available for employers upon request as part of the developmental plan.
(e)
Also included in the plan are proposed budgets to be devoted to it as well as descriptions of the job classifications and personnel who will be carrying out the program. Further, the plan sets out goals and provides a timetable for bringing it into full conformity with 29 CFR part 1902.