OSHA plans to conduct a total of 36,400 inspections in fiscal year 2002, up from slightly less than 35,800 inspections in FY01 and roughly 36,000 inspections in FY00, according to the agency.

In OSHA's fiscal 2002 budget, federal enforcement received the largest budget increase, from $151 million to $161 million. Congress bumped up the total budget about four percent, to $443 million.

More inspections will target workplaces where injury and illness rates are the highest.

Inspectors will also focus on industries where non-English speaking workers are at greatest risk, such as construction.

"Our new commitment to increase the number of trained, certified OSHA inspectors will also be critical to making our enforcement efforts more effective," said agency chief John L. Henshaw.