Section 50-9-8 - Duties and powers of the department.
50-9-8. Duties and powers of the department.
The department shall:
A. prevent or abate detriment to the health and safety of employees arising out of and in the course of employment;
B. develop an effective and comprehensive program for the prevention or abatement of detriment to the health and safety of employees within the state;
C. advise and recommend an effective and comprehensive program of occupational health and safety applicable to all employees of public agencies of the state and its political subdivisions;
D. cause to be instituted legal proceedings to compel compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act [50-9-1 NMSA 1978] or any regulation of the board;
E. accept, receive and administer grants or other funds or gifts from public or private agencies, including the federal government;
F. take reasonable steps to inform employees of their protections and obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including the provisions of applicable regulations; and
G. make reports to the secretary of the United States department of labor in the form and containing the information as the secretary may from time to time require.