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OSHA News Release
2007 - 12/21/2007 - OSHA recognized for extraordinary service to small businesses

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Trade News Release
Dec. 21, 2007
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: (202) 693-1999


OSHA recognized for extraordinary service to small businesses

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of the National Ombudsman recognized the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its outstanding service and responsiveness to small businesses coping with regulatory enforcement issues. OSHA was one of six federal agencies that demonstrated a strong commitment to regulatory fairness and fairness in enforcement that assisted the Office of the National Ombudsman in support of small business interests.

"We are honored to be recognized by SBA's National Ombudsman for exceptional service," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We will continue to address the concerns of small business owners and develop techniques to make compliance easier and more business-friendly so that employees can be better protected."

Other federal agencies acknowledged for their contributions include the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Commerce. The Office of the National Ombudsman was created by Congress in 1996 to assist small businesses that experience excessive federal regulatory enforcement actions.

"OSHA has shown a strong commitment to regulatory fairness and has assisted the Office of the National Ombudsman in supporting small business interests," said Nicholas Owens, SBA's national ombudsman. "OSHA's dedication to providing small businesses with the regulatory tools they need, as well as working with the National Ombudsman to address fairness in enforcement, truly promotes an environment in which America's small businesses can grow and succeed."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

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