Senate Bill 2916

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 71-1-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 71-1-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

71-1-1. The state board of health is directed to establish an occupational health and safety program and is empowered:

(a) To employ such qualified personnel as staff to carry out the duties and responsibilities set forth herein;

(b) To develop and make available upon request to all employers of the state, including public employers, information, consultation and assistance related to safety and health laws, regulations, measures and standards; to participate and assist with training and educational programs, directed toward employee safety and disease prevention;

(c) To employ such personnel and procure such equipment as necessary to provide on-site consultive services related to assistance, information, education or training of employers and employees toward compliance with safety and health standards and toward the establishment of safety and health programs to prevent work-connected disabilities;

(d) To collect, compile and report statistics related to work-connected disabilities in Mississippi; such statistical work shall be performed in cooperation with other statistic-gathering agencies with the federal and state governments. Such statistical reports as may be available shall be made known to employers and employees.

(e) To receive such federal or state grants and appropriations as available to further the education, training and assistance to the employers and employees of Mississippi in preventing work-connected disabilities.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the state board of health to administer or enforce in any way the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, known as OSHA.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.