We need to provide more technical assistance to employers to make a greater impact, but we cannot do it without an investment by Congress. We think this is a wise use of federal funds, one that will pay measurable dividends for contractors and workers. The first three pillars of OSHA's new ways of working are strong enforcement, partnership and expanded outreach and training. The fourth pillar is the foundation that gives support to the others-and that is standard setting. Only the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is empowered to set national mandatory standards for the workplace.
States can handle enforcement, training and consultation.
Trade associations and unions and the National Safety Council can conduct training and provide helpful information. The American National Standards Institute and other organizations can produce recommendations by consensus. But OSHA alone has the responsibility and the authority to establish nationwide legal requirements to protect workers on the job. Setting standards is something we must do well. And we must do it differently in the future than we have in the past.