Trade News Release
January 9, 2001
Contact: Lydia Kleiner
PHONE: (202) 693-1999

NATIONAL HONORS FOR OSHA'S "IT'S THE LAW" WORKPLACE POSTER

The National Partnership for Reinventing Government presented a "No Gobbledygook" award to OSHA for its poster, "It's the Law," informing workers of their rights to a safe and healthful workplace. The poster describes workers' rights using "plain language," in keeping with the goals of the National Partnership interagency task force. The poster depicts a variety of workers - from chefs to linemen to hospital personnel - and explains succinctly how workers may file a complaint, report an emergency, or seek OSHA advice, all with the right of confidentiality.

"Workers need information about how to protect themselves if there are unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace,"said OSHA Administrator Charles Jeffress. "Offering clear descriptions of employees' rights helps ensure that every worker understands the protections provided by OSHA. We are delighted that the National Partnership for Reinventing Government has recognized our efforts to clarify our message."

Anne Cyr, Deputy Director, OSHA's Office of Public Affairs, received the award at a ceremony in the White House Conference Center on January 5. OSHA was one of seven agency recipients of the award for the July - December, 2000 period. The award is aimed at federal workers who turn complicated government information into plain language.

The OSHA poster, which is free and available in both English and Spanish, may be downloaded from OSHA's Website on the Internet -- English version www.osha.gov/oshpubs/poster.html or Spanish version, "Lo Establece La Ley" www.osha.gov/oshpubs/poster2.html -- or ordered by writing to the OSHA publications office, Rm. N3101, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210; or by calling any OSHA office, usually listed under Federal Government in local telephone directories.

The previous edition of the OSHA poster is still valid; employers are not required to replace it with the newer version, although they are required to post an OSHA notice of employee rights in a prominent location.

Editor's Note: Employers in states operating OSHA-approved state plans should obtain and post the state's equivalent poster if there is one.

The text of this news release is on the World Wide Web at www.osha.gov. Information on this news release will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. Phone: (202) 693-1999.