Activities

• Administers the Variance (VAR) Program. Processes applications from employers for variance from specific provisions of OSHA standards. As part of its responsibilities, the staff reviews the applications to assure adequateness, coordinates additional review by other disciplines within the Agency, schedules and assists in conducting on-site investigations, prepares Federal Register notices, and maintains a diversity of information concerning variances for public viewing on the internet.
• Administers the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program. Many of OSHA's workplace standards require certain equipment or products to be approved (i.e., tested and certified) by NRTLs to help ensure they can be used safely. NRTLs are qualified private organizations that meet the requirements in OSHA regulations under 29 CFR section 1910.7 to perform independent product safety testing and certification. OSHA determines whether a lab meets or continues to meet those requirements under its NRTL Program.
• Department of Energy (DOE) Transition Activities. Coordinates OSHA activities to assume responsibility for safety and health of employees on DOE's government-owned, contractor-operated sites and for employees working in privatized areas on these sites.
• National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE). Provided the Designated Federal Official for the National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics. The committee's mission is to help OSHA reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries by providing advice in the areas of guidelines, research, outreach and assistance.