Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
20th year of Kentucky OSH program is celebrated

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 10, 2005) – The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Program (OSH) will reach a milestone on Monday, June 13.

It will mark 20 years since the Kentucky program became the first in the nation to be granted primacy in the enforcement of workplace safety and health laws. Kentucky – and the states that followed – had to set enforcement standards that were at least the equal of federal standards.

The anniversary was observed June 10 by past and present Kentucky OSH leaders and Ron McGill, Kentucky-Tennessee area director for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

“After 20 years, our objective is unchanged,” said Stephen L. Morrison, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Occupational Safety and Health. “All of us in Governor Fletcher’s administration are committed to improving workplace safety,” Morrison said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encouraged states to develop and operate their own job safety and health programs. State plans are approved and monitored by federal OSHA.

In addition to Kentucky, 21 states and jurisdictions now have comprehensive state plans. Four others cover public employees only.

Full plans: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming.

Public employees only: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Virgin Islands.