Document ID: OSHA-T034-2006-0779-0040
Agency: osha
Document Type: Notice
Title: New Jersey State Plan for State and Local Government Employees;
Approval of Plan Supplements and Certification of Completion of Developmental Steps
Posted Date: 2016-01-22T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 14 (Friday, January 22, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3825-3830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01286]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. OSHA-T034-2006-0779]

New Jersey State Plan for State and Local Government Employees; 
Approval of Plan Supplements and Certification of Completion of 
Developmental Steps

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development 
(LWD) submitted timely documentation attesting to the completion of all 
structural and developmental aspects of its State Plan for State and 
Local Government Employees as approved by the Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration (OSHA). After extensive review of the submissions 
and opportunity for correction, Plan supplements constituting an 
updated and revised State Plan were submitted. OSHA is approving the 
revised State Plan, which documents the satisfactory completion of all 
structural and developmental aspects of New Jersey's approved State 
Plan, and certifying this completion. This certification attests to the 
fact that New Jersey now has in place those structural components 
necessary for an effective State Plan for State and Local Government 
Employees. (Enforcement of occupational safety and health standards 
with regard to private sector employers and employees in the State of 
New Jersey remains the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Labor, 
OSHA).

DATES: Effective Date: January 22, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information and press 
inquiries, contact Frank Meilinger, Director, Office of Communications, 
Room N-3647, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693-1999; email: 
meilinger.francis2@dol.gov. For technical inquiries, contact Douglas 
Kalinowski, Director, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, 
OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-
3700, Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693-2244; email: 
kalinowski.doug@dol.gov. Electronic copies of this Federal Register 
notice, as well as all OSHA Federal Register notices mentioned in this 
document, are available on OSHA's Web site at http://www.osha.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the 
``OSH Act;'' 29 U.S.C. 667) provides that a state which desires to 
assume responsibility for the development and enforcement of 
occupational safety and health standards may submit for OSHA review and 
approval a State Plan for such development and enforcement. Regulations 
at 29 CFR part 1956 provide that a state may voluntarily submit a State 
Plan for the development and enforcement of occupational safety and 
health standards applicable only to employers and employees of the 
state and its political subdivisions. State and local government 
employers are excluded from federal OSHA coverage under section 3(5) of 
the OSH Act.
    Under these regulations, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Occupational Safety and Health (``Assistant Secretary'') may approve a 
State Plan for State and Local Government Employees, if the Plan 
provides for the development and enforcement of standards relating to 
hazards in employment covered by the Plan which are or will be at least 
as effective in providing safe and healthful employment and places of 
employment for public employees as standards promulgated and enforced 
by federal OSHA under section 6 of the OSH Act, giving due 
consideration to differences between public and private sector 
employment. Following initial approval, the state may begin enforcement 
of its safety and health standards in the public sector and receive up 
to 50 percent federal funding for the cost of Plan operations.
    A State Plan for State and Local Government Employees may receive 
initial approval even though at the time of submission not all 
essential components of the Plan are in place. Pursuant to 29 CFR 
1956.2(b), the Assistant Secretary may initially approve the submission 
as a ``developmental plan,'' and a schedule within which the state must 
complete all ``developmental steps'' within a three year period is 
issued as part of the initial approval decision. 29 CFR part 1953 
provides procedures for the review and approval of changes and progress 
in the development and implementation of the State Plan.
    When the Assistant Secretary has reviewed and approved all 
developmental submissions and finds that the state has satisfactorily 
completed all developmental steps specified in the initial approval 
decision, a notice certifying such completion is published in the 
Federal Register (see 29 CFR 1956.23 and 1902.34). Certification 
attests to the structural completeness of the Plan but does not render 
judgment as to the adequacy or effectiveness of state performance.

[[Page 3826]]

II. State Plan History

    In 1965, the Governor of the State of New Jersey issued Executive 
Order No. 20, establishing a safety and health program for state 
employees. In the early 1970s New Jersey developed a State Plan under 
the OSH Act. The Plan provided for a safety and health program which 
would cover state and local government employees and all employees in 
the private sector in the state. In 1975, New Jersey was preempted in 
the safety and health field by the federal program because state 
legislation was not provided as required by the federal program. In 
1984, the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health 
Act (PEOSH Act) was signed into law by Thomas H. Kean, Governor of the 
State of New Jersey. This act empowered the Department of Labor and 
Workforce Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of 
Community Affairs to inspect and enforce the PEOSH Act. Because the 
PEOSH Act, as structured, presented several obstacles to receive 
federal funding for a State and Local Government Employees Plan, a 
revision was signed into law by Governor Whitman in 1995.
    The New Jersey State Plan for State and Local Government Employees 
is operated by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce 
Development, Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) 
Program. This limited scope State Plan was initially approved as a 
developmental plan under section 18 of the OSH Act, and 29 CFR part 
1956, on January 11, 2001 (66 FR 2265). After the initial approval of 
the State Plan for State and Local Government Employees in 2001, New 
Jersey successfully submitted all of its developmental plan change 
supplements.
    In July 2013, PEOSH submitted a completely revised State Plan which 
provided updated documentation on all its developmental steps, 
including those previously approved, for OSHA review and consideration. 
After extensive review of those documents and opportunity for state 
correction, New Jersey submitted further revisions in December 2013, 
May 2014, and July 2014.

III. Description of the Revised State Plan

    New Jersey submitted plan supplements constituting a revised State 
Plan document with subsequent revisions dated December 2013, May 2014 
and July 2014. The revised State Plan updates and documents all 
structural components of the New Jersey program. This includes a 
revised narrative description of the current program, legislation, 
administrative rules, standards, a compliance manual, and current 
copies of all key documents relating to New Jersey's State Plan for 
State and Local Government Employees. These documents are described 
below and are being approved in this notice.

A. The Plan Narrative and Appendices

    The Plan designates the New Jersey Department of Labor and 
Workforce Development (LWD), through the Public Employees Occupational 
Safety and Health (PEOSH) program, as the state agency responsible for 
administering the Plan throughout the state. The New Jersey PEOSH Act, 
N.J.S.A. 34:6A-25 et seq., delegates certain responsibilities to the 
New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) in the implementation of the 
PEOSH Act. Major responsibilities delegated include: Inspection, 
investigation, and related activities in occupational health and 
environmental control; medical and first aid; toxic and hazardous 
substances; respiratory protective equipment, and sanitation.
    The Plan narrative provides a general overview of PEOSH's legal 
authority, standards and variances, regulations, enforcement policies 
and procedures (the ``Field Operations Manual'' or ``FOM''), voluntary 
compliance activities (including consultative services and training and 
outreach programs), an occupational safety and health laboratory, 
personnel policies and procedures, recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements, budget, staffing and funding, all of which, together with 
the supporting documents contained in various appendices, have been 
determined to provide authority which is ``at least as effective as'' 
that of the OSH Act and to meet the criteria and indices for plan 
approval contained in 29 CFR part 1956.
    The State Plan appendices contain a variety of state statutes and 
other documents related to the PEOSH program and its authority, contest 
procedures, and personnel policies, including: N.J. PEOSH Act--
N.J.S.A.34:6A-25 thru 34:6A-50; 1995 N.J. Laws Chapter 186 (amendments 
to PEOSH Act); 1995 N.J. Laws Chapter 186--Governor's Signature; 
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LWD & DOH; N.J. Admin. Code 
Title 1, Chapter 30--Rules for Agency Rulemaking; Administrative 
Procedures Act--N.J.S.A. 52:14B.
    The appendices also contain the following regulations: Procedural 
Standards for N.J. State Plan--N.J.A.C.12:110; Safety & Health 
Standards for Public Employees--N.J.A.C.12:100; Standard for Hazard 
Communication--N.J.A.C.12:100 Chapter #7; Hazard Communication 
Alternative Std. Proposal; Hazard Communication Alternative Std. 
Adoption; Standards for Indoor Firing Ranges for Public Employees--
N.J.A.C.12:100 Chapter 8; Standards for Firefighters--N.J.A.C.12:100 
Chapter 10; Fire Brigade Std. Comparison; Indoor Air Quality Standard--
N.J.A.C.12:100 Chapter 13; Review Commission Rules of Procedure--
N.J.A.C.12:112; Discrimination against Employees--N.J.A.C.12:110 
Chapter 7; Inspection Scheduling System; On-Site Consultations--
N.J.A.C.12:110 Chapter 8.; Consultation Policies and Procedures Manual, 
Chapter 3, III; 5yr. Strategic Plan--2014-2019; and Informational, 
Educational, & Training Materials.

B. Legislation

    The Plan includes legislation, the New Jersey PEOSH Act--
N.J.S.A.34:6A-25 thru 34:6A-50 as enacted in 1984 and amended in 1995 
and 1997. Pursuant to this law, the State Plan provides coverage for 
all state and local government employment in New Jersey. The PEOSH Act 
defines covered employers as ``public employer[s] and shall include any 
person acting directly on behalf of, or with the knowledge and 
ratification of: (1) The state, or any department, division, bureau, 
board, council, agency or authority of the state, except any bi-state 
agency; or (2) any county, municipality, or any department, division, 
bureau, board, council, agency or authority of any county or 
municipality, or of any school district or special purposes district 
created pursuant to law.'' N.J.S.A.34:6A-27(c). It defines covered 
employees as ``any public employee, any person holding a position by 
appointment or employment in the service of an `employer' as that term 
is used in this act and shall include any individual whose work has 
ceased as a consequence of, or in connection with, any administrative 
or judicial action instituted under this act; provided, however, that 
elected officials, members of boards and commissions and managerial 
executives as defined in the `New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations 
Act,' P.L.1941, c. 100, C. 34:13A-1 et seq. shall be excluded from the 
coverage of this act.'' N.J.S.A.34:6A-27(d). Thus, the PEOSH Act covers 
county, municipality, or any department, division, bureau, board, 
council, agency, or authority of any county or district created 
pursuant to law; and volunteer firefighters and emergency responders. 
The PEOSH Act contains authority for standards

[[Page 3827]]

adoption, right of entry, inspections, citations, proposed penalties 
for failure-to-abate violations, worker rights, variances, non-
discrimination, recordkeeping and voluntary compliance programs, etc. 
The PEOSH Act contains three provisions which differ substantially from 
the federal OSH Act.
    1. Penalties. Section 34:6A-41(d) of the PEOSH Act establishes a 
penalty structure which provides for failure-to-abate penalties of up 
to $7,000 per day for serious violations and other-than-serious 
violations. This authority, together with follow-up inspections and 
judicial enforcement, is the primary means of compelling the abatement 
of hazards by state and local government employers under the New Jersey 
State Plan.
    2. Split Enforcement. Section 34:6A-35 of the PEOSH Act establishes 
enforcement by two departments: DOH, which conducts inspections under 
health regulations in the workplace; and LWD, which conducts 
inspections under safety regulations in the workplace; but it is LWD 
that issues Order to Comply.
    3. Advisory Board. Section 34:6A-28 of the PEOSH Act establishes 
the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board 
(``Advisory Board'') consisting of several New Jersey department 
Commissioners and 18 members who represent state and local government 
employers and employees. The Advisory Board assists the Commissioner of 
Labor and Workforce Development (``Commissioner of Labor'') in 
establishing standards for the occupational safety and health of public 
employees and receives information regarding matters of concern to 
public employees in the areas of occupational safety and health.

C. Standards

    The PEOSH Act, section 34:6A-30(a) mandates that the Commissioner 
of Labor adopt all applicable safety and health standards promulgated 
under the OSH Act, which are in effect on the effective date of the 
PEOSH Act (January 17, 1984). The New Jersey Plan has adopted all 
federal OSHA standards since the inception of the OSH Act (N.J.A.C. 
12:100) with the exception of Subpart L--Fire Protection, 29 CFR 
1910.155 and 1910.156 (N.J.A.C. 12:100-10), and the Hazard 
Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 (N.J.A.C.12:100-7). The New 
Jersey Plan assures the incorporation of any subsequent revisions or 
additions to standards in a timely manner, including in response to 
federal OSHA emergency temporary standards. The procedure for adoption 
of federal OSHA standards is provided in the New Jersey State 
Administrative Procedures Act, which requires submission of the 
standard to the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law and publication 
of the standard in the New Jersey State Register. Permanent standards 
adopted by OSHA will be adopted by the Commissioner of Labor within six 
(6) months from the federal promulgation date (N.J.A.C. 12:100-3A.1).
    Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board. 
Section 34:6A-28 of the PEOSH Act establishes the Advisory Board 
consisting of the Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner of 
Health, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Commissioner 
of Community Affairs, the State Treasurer, or their designees, and 18 
members who represent state and local employers and employees, to be 
appointed by the governor. The Advisory Board has two primary 
functions: To assist the Commissioner of Labor in establishing 
standards for the occupational safety and health of public employees, 
and to receive information regarding matters of concern to public 
employees in the areas of occupational safety and health.
    Under the Plan, the Commissioner of Labor, in consultation with the 
Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Community Affairs, and 
with the advice of the Advisory Board, on his/her own initiative, can 
propose additional or alternative occupational safety and health 
standards if no federal standards are applicable or where standards 
more stringent than the federal standards are deemed advisable 
(N.J.S.A. 34:6A-30). The Advisory Board can also, after public 
hearings, recommend such standards to the Commissioner of Labor. The 
State Plan provides for the development and consideration of expert 
technical information in the formulation of standards and allows 
interested persons to submit information requesting development or 
promulgation of any standard and to participate in any hearing for the 
development, modification or establishment of standards. In addition, 
the State Administrative Procedures Act requires public notice and 
comment for all proposed rules, and provides opportunity for public 
participation in related hearings. A notice of proposed rulemaking is 
published in the New Jersey Register. The notice shall invite comments 
from interested persons, and other such submissions, in accordance with 
N.J.A.C. 1:30-1, Rules for Agency Rulemaking. The Plan includes the 
state safety and health standards regulation, which codifies PEOSH's 
adoption by reference of all federal OSHA safety and health standards 
applicable to public employees. New Jersey standards are identical to 
the federal standards with the following exceptions and additions. The 
state promulgated and retained N.J.A.C. 12:100 Subchapter 8--Standard 
for Indoor Firing Ranges for Public Employees, N.J.A.C. 12:100 
Subchapter 13--Indoor Air Quality Standard and N.J.A.C. 12:100 
Subchapter 10--Standards for Firefighters. On May 3, 2004, New Jersey 
adopted a hazard communication standard with several additional 
provisions which are more stringent than OSHA's Hazard Communication 
Standard. These different or additional state requirements have been 
reviewed and determined to be ``at least as effective'' as the 
comparable federal standards.

D. Variances

    Section 34:6A-39 of the PEOSH Act, the Administrative Procedure Act 
(N.J.S.A.52:14B-1 et seq.), and N.J.A.C. 12:110 subchapter 6 establish 
proceedings for the granting of permanent and temporary variances from 
state standards, which are equivalent to the federal requirements at 29 
CFR part 1905. These provisions require employee notification of 
variance applications and provide for employee participation in 
hearings held on variance applications. Variances may not be granted 
unless it is established that adequate protection is afforded employees 
under the terms of the variance. Under the Plan, all variances granted 
have only future effect, and temporary variances are available only 
prior to the effective date of a standard. Temporary variances may not 
be renewed more than twice, and a renewal may not remain in effect 
longer than 180 days. The Commissioner of Labor may issue one interim 
order granting relief pending the hearing on permanent variance. The 
procedures allow for the modification or revocation of permanent 
variances at any time at least six months after issuance of the 
variance.

E. Employee Notice and Discrimination Protection

    The Plan provides for notification to employees of their 
protections and obligations under the Plan by such means as the ``You 
Have the Right to a Safe and Healthful Workplace. It's the Law!'' 
poster (which is included in the Plan documents and also available 
electronically on the PEOSH Web site) and required posting of notices 
of violations. Section 34:6A-45 of the PEOSH Act provides for 
protection of employees against discharge or

[[Page 3828]]

discrimination resulting from exercise of their rights under the PEOSH 
Act in terms parallel to section 11(c) of the OSH Act. Complaints must 
be filed within 180 days after the alleged violation, and the 
complainant must be notified of the Commissioner of Labor's 
determination within 90 days of the receipt of the complaint. If the 
Commissioner of Labor determines that the provisions of Section 34:6A-
45 have been violated, an order for all appropriate relief, including 
rehiring or reinstatement of the employee to his/her former position 
with back pay and reasonable legal costs will be issued. The notice 
shall become the Commissioner of Labor's final determination, unless, 
within 15 days of receipt of the notice, the employer or employee 
requests a hearing before the Commissioner of Labor or his designee, in 
which case the Commissioner of Labor shall issue his final 
determination not more than 45 days after the hearing report is issued.

F. Inspections and Enforcement

    The Commissioner of Labor and the Commissioner of Health are 
charged with making inspections in their jurisdictional areas as 
specified in the PEOSH Act (N.J.S.A.34:6A-30, 35). The Commissioners 
may call on the professional staff of other departments whenever they 
deem their assistance necessary. Inspection and enforcement policies 
and procedures provided in the Plan are established by the PEOSH Act, 
34:6A-35, and the PEOSH FOM. Each Commissioner obtains the right of 
immediate entry at reasonable hours and without advance notice into any 
workplace to conduct such investigations as he/she may deem necessary. 
The authority of each Commissioner to inspect any premises for purposes 
of investigating an alleged violation under his/her jurisdiction is not 
limited to the alleged violation but shall extend to any other area of 
the premises in which he/she has reason to believe that a violation of 
any provision of the PEOSH Act under his/her jurisdiction exists. The 
Commissioner of Health shall make his/her inspection records available 
to the Commissioner of Labor for purposes of enforcement. Any employee, 
group of employees or employee representative who believes that a 
violation of a safety standard exists, or that an imminent danger 
exists, may request an inspection by giving notice to the Commissioner 
of the violation or danger. Complaints must be filed in writing and 
signed. Upon the request of the person giving the notice, his/her name 
or the name of any employee representative giving the notice may be 
withheld. The appropriate Commissioner shall conduct an appropriate 
inspection at the earliest time possible. The Plan also includes a 
prohibition of advance notice of inspections, a mechanism for employees 
of the employer and their representatives to accompany the inspector 
during the physical inspections, and opening, informal, and closing 
conferences. If the Commissioner of Labor, or the Commissioner of 
Health, concludes that conditions or practices in violation exist in 
any workplace, the Commissioner of Labor shall, with reasonable 
promptness, and in no case more than six months after his/her 
determination or the receipt of the certificate or report, issue a 
written Order to Comply to the employer (N.J.S.A.34:6A-41(a)).
    Significant differences between federal OSHA and PEOSH inspection, 
enforcement, and discrimination include the following:
    1. Penalties. Section 34:6A-41(d) of the PEOSH Act establishes a 
penalty structure which provides for failure-to-abate penalties of up 
to $7,000 per day for serious violations and other-than-serious 
violations. If the time for compliance with an Order of the 
Commissioner of Labor elapses, and the employer has not made a good 
faith effort to comply, the Commissioner of Labor shall issue a second 
Order to Comply imposing a civil administrative penalty of up to $7,000 
per day for each violation not abated. If the employer contests the 
proposed daily penalties, a follow-up inspection shall still be 
scheduled. If an Order and daily penalties are not to be proposed 
because of an employer's flagrant disregard of an Order, the Director 
of PEOSH shall immediately contact the Commissioner of Labor, in 
writing, detailing the circumstances so that the matter can be referred 
to the State Attorney General's Office for issuance of a restraining 
order. Procedures for follow-up inspections are established in the 
PEOSH FOM Chapter 7, Section XII.
    2. Whistleblower (Discrimination). The period fixed in the Plan for 
filing eligible complaints is 180 days, and the procedure in the Plan 
for enforcing merit determinations is through Orders to Comply (N.J.S.A 
34:6A-45).

G. Compliance Manual

    The PEOSH FOM, first issued in April 2009, replaces the New Jersey 
Field Inspection Reference Manual (FIRM) and is available to the public 
on the LWD Web site. The New Jersey compliance manual parallels federal 
OSHA's revised Field Operations Manual, CPL 02-00-150, and incorporates 
other policies parallel to federal compliance directives and unique 
state requirements. The PEOSH FOM provides guidance to PEOSH compliance 
staff concerning general staff responsibilities, pre-inspection 
procedures (including inspection scheduling and priorities, complaints 
and other unprogrammed inspections and inspection preparation), 
inspection procedures (including conduct of the inspection, opening 
conference, closing conference, physical examination of the workplace, 
follow-up inspections, fatality/catastrophe investigations, imminent 
danger investigations, and construction inspections), inspection 
documentation (including types of violations, violations of the general 
duty clause, writing citations, and grouping/combining violations), 
post-inspection procedures (including abatement, citations, penalties, 
and post-citation processes), discrimination investigation procedures 
(set forth in more detail in the PEOSH Whistleblower (Discrimination) 
Investigations Manual, which parallels the relevant portions of federal 
OSHA's Whistleblower Investigations Manual, CPL 02-03-003), and 
disclosure of information under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act 
(N.J.S.A. 47:1A-et seq.). New Jersey also uses and has adopted the OSHA 
Technical Manual (TED 01-00-015), which replaced the former Industrial 
Hygiene Manual, as guidance for its staff.

H. Review Procedures

    Section 34:6A-42 of the PEOSH Act establishes an Occupational 
Safety and Health Review Commission (``Review Commission'') within LWD 
to hear appeals regarding Orders to Comply and penalties.
    Under the Plan, both public employers and employees may seek formal 
administrative review of LWD citations and penalties, as well as the 
reasonableness of the abatement period, before the Review Commission 
(N.J.S.A. Sections 34:6A-36, 41 and N.J.A.C. 12:110-4.13). The notice 
of contest must be filed with the Commissioner of Labor within 15 
working days of the issuance of an Order to Comply. The Commissioner of 
Labor must immediately advise the Review Commission of the 
notification, and the Review Commission will afford an opportunity for 
a hearing. After hearing an appeal, the Review Commission may sustain, 
modify or dismiss an Order or penalty, and the Review Commission's 
decision shall become final 45 days after its issuance (N.J.S.A. 34:6A-
42).

[[Page 3829]]

I. Judicial Review

    Appeals from decisions of the Review Commission are to the 
Appellate Division of the Superior Court (N.J.S.A. 34:6A-43).

J. Budget and Personnel

    The Plan includes the FY 2015 grant application under section 23(g) 
of the OSH Act, which includes a current organizational chart and 
detailed information on staffing and funding. The state has given 
satisfactory assurances of adequate funding to support the Plan. In FY 
2015, the State Plan was funded at $1,921,400 in federal section 23(g) 
funds, $1,921,400 in matching state funds, and $911,664 in 100% state 
funds, for a total federal and state contribution of $4,754,464. The 
state has given satisfactory assurance (New Jersey State Plan, p.156) 
that it will meet the staffing requirements of 29 CFR 1956.10. OSHA 
considers PEOSH's current staffing and funding levels to be adequate 
and appropriate.

K. Records and Reports

    The Plan provides that state and local government employers in New 
Jersey will maintain appropriate records and make timely reports on 
occupational injuries and illnesses in a manner substantially identical 
to and ``at least as effective as'' that required for private sector 
employers under federal OSHA. New Jersey participates and has assured 
that it will continue its participation in the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics Annual Survey of Injuries and Illnesses in the public 
sector. The Plan also contains assurances that the Commissioner of 
Labor will provide reports to OSHA in such form as the Assistant 
Secretary may require and that New Jersey will continue to participate 
in the OSHA Information System (OIS). The state adopted federal OSHA's 
revision of its recordkeeping rules (29 CFR part 1904; 66 FR 5916-
6135), January 19, 2001, as well as OSHA's New Reporting Requirements 
(January 2015).

L. Voluntary Compliance Programs

    The state and local government employee consultation program makes 
available both safety consultants and industrial hygienists to state 
and local government employers who request such service for the purpose 
of apprising them of existing hazards and the best means of abatement. 
The PEOSH consultation program generally follows OSHA's Consultation 
Policies and Procedures Manual, CSP 02-00-002. The consultation program 
also provides outreach and training in support of PEOSH's activities. 
Under the Plan, training is provided to state and local government 
employers and employees, and seminars are conducted to familiarize 
affected individuals with applicable safety and health standards and 
requirements and safe work practices. PEOSH has a variety of public 
information programs to disseminate information and publications on 
important safety and health concerns. Policies and procedures for 
outreach programs, including training, educational and informational 
services, as well as voluntary compliance programs, are described in 
the Consultation Policies and Procedures Manual.

IV. Completion of Developmental Steps

    With the approval of the revised State Plan in today's action, all 
developmental steps specified in the January 11, 2001 notice of initial 
approval of the New Jersey State Plan for State and Local Government 
Employees, and other relevant steps, have been successfully completed 
and approved as follows:
    A. In accordance with New Jersey development step (a), the State of 
New Jersey has promulgated standards identical to all federal OSHA 
standards with the exception of Subpart L--Fire Protection and the 
Hazard Communication Standard (both include provisions which are more 
stringent than federal OSHA's). New Jersey has also established state 
standards on issues for which no federal standards are applicable. The 
state standards are the Indoor Firing Ranges for Public Employees 
Standard, and the Indoor Air Quality Standard. These four state-
specific standards are approved by the Assistant Secretary in today's 
notice.
    B. In accordance with New Jersey development step (b), New Jersey 
has promulgated regulations for inspections, citations, and abatement 
equivalent to 29 CFR part 1903, as supplemented by the PEOSH Act and 
the PEOSH FOM, all of which are approved by the Assistant Secretary in 
today's notice.
    C. In accordance with New Jersey development step (c), New Jersey 
has developed a five-year strategic plan which is approved in today's 
notice.
    D. In accordance with New Jersey development step (d), the state 
has developed a Field Operations Manual which parallels the OSHA Field 
Operations Manual, CPL 02-00-150, and incorporates other federal 
compliance policy directives and unique state requirements. The state's 
Field Operations Manual is approved in today's notice.
    E. In accordance with New Jersey development step (e), the state 
has implemented a state and local government employer/employee 
consultation, training, and education program equivalent to 29 CFR part 
1908 which is approved in today's notice.
    F. In accordance with New Jersey development step (f), the state 
developed and adopted employee non-discrimination procedures equivalent 
to 29 CFR part 1977 which are approved in today's notice.
    G. In accordance with New Jersey development step (g), the State 
Plan promulgated regulations for granting variances equivalent to 29 
CFR part 1905 which are approved in today's notice.
    H. In accordance with New Jersey development step (h), the state 
has promulgated regulations regarding recordkeeping equivalent to 29 
CFR 1904, including the new recordkeeping rule, revised on January 1, 
2015, which are approved in today's notice.

V. Decision

A. Approval of Plan Supplements

    After careful review, opportunity for state correction, and 
subsequent revision, the plan supplements constituting a revised New 
Jersey State Plan for State and Local Government Employees and its 
components described above are found to be in substantial conformance 
with comparable federal provisions and the requirements of 29 CFR part 
1956 and are hereby approved under 29 CFR part 1953 as providing a 
revised State Plan for the development and enforcement of standards 
which is ``at least as effective as'' the federal program, as required 
by section 18 of the OSH Act and 29 CFR part 1956. The right to 
reconsider this approval of the revised State Plan supplements is 
reserved should substantial objections or other information become 
available to the Assistant Secretary regarding any components of the 
Plan changes.

B. Certification

    With the approval of a revised State Plan as noted above, all 
developmental steps have now been successfully completed, documented, 
and approved. In accordance with 29 CFR 1956.23, the New Jersey State 
Plan for State and Local Government Employees is certified as having 
successfully completed all developmental steps. This certification 
attests to the structural completeness of the State Plan and that it 
has all the necessary authorities and procedures to provide ``at least 
as effective'' standards, enforcement, and compliance assistance to the 
employees of the State of New Jersey and its

[[Page 3830]]

political subdivisions. This action renders no judgment as to the 
effectiveness of the State Plan in actual operations.

VI. Location of Basic State Plan Documentation

    Copies of the revised New Jersey State Plan for State and Local 
Government Employees are available on the State Plan's Web site or upon 
request. Contact the Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 201 Varick Street, Room 
670, New York, New York 10014; or the New Jersey Public Employee 
Occupational Safety and Health Program, 1 John Fitch Plaza, P.O. Box 
386, Trenton, NJ 08625-0386.
    Components of the New Jersey State Plan, including the Field 
Operation Manual, recordkeeping regulations and instructions, complaint 
forms, and other program information are posted on the New Jersey 
Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Public Employee 
Occupational Safety and Health Web site at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/peosh/.
    The PEOSH Act is administered by two departments: the New Jersey 
Department of Health enforces health regulations in the workplace; and 
the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development enforces 
safety regulations in the workplace. To obtain information, visit the 
NJDLWD PEOSH Program Web site at: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lsse/safetyhealth_index.html or call (609) 633-3896.
    Information on PEOSH laws and regulations can be found on the New 
Jersey Web site at: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lsse/laws/peosha_law.html.
    Information on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce 
Development, Office of Administrative Law and Review Commission can be 
found on the New Jersey Labor and Workforce Development Web site at: 
http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/. The state Administrative Procedures Act 
can be found on the Governor's Web site at: http://www.nj.gov/governor/.
    Electronic copies of this Federal Register notice and the related 
press release are available on OSHA's Web site at: http://www.osha.gov. 
More information on the New Jersey State Plan can be found on OSHA's 
Office of State Programs Web site at: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/stateprogs/new_jersey.html.

Authority and Signature

    This document was prepared under the direction of David Michaels, 
Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and 
Health. It is issued under section 18 of the Occupational Safety and 
Health Act of 1970, 84 Stat. 1608 (29 U.S.C. 667); 29 CFR part 1956; 
and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 1-2012 (77 FR 3912, Jan. 25, 2012).

    Signed in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2016.
David Michaels,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2016-01286 Filed 1-21-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-26-P