OSHA announced that it will approve plan amendments and certify the state of New York's occupational safety and health plan for its public employees. OSHA determined that all developmental commitments have been met and that the state's plan is structurally complete.

"This is a major milestone for the state of New York in the development of its occupational safety and health program," said OSHA director Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "We congratulate them on this accomplishment and for their ongoing commitment to the safety and health of their public employees."

OSHA's certification indicates that the state plan contains all the necessary structural elements (standards, statutory and regulatory authorities, and procedures) to operate a program for its public employees which is "at least as effective" as the federal program. Absent a state plan, state and local government employees are not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act.