We've held two national small business conferences to spread the word about ways we can help small businesses. And we've held scores of regional sessions as well. Not only are we looking for ways to provide information, but we're also looking for opportunities for feedback. Small businesses now take part in our standard-setting process from the earliest stage under a new law designed to involve them from the beginning. But government guidance and business leadership are only part of the answer to providing safe workplaces.
Workers play a critical role in occupational safety and health.
Their involvement is key to the success of any effort to prevent injuries and illnesses. That is why we've written specific worker participation requirements into our new ergonomics standard. And unions offer workers the best opportunities for participation in workplace programs. Thus, it is not always clear who best represents their interests. Reaching unorganized workers and empowering them to participate in their safety and health programs is vital.