This is a single position, directory level class which serves as technical and support services director for the Department of Labor and Industry. The position directs the interpretation of policies and standards for occupational safety and health program managers; writes policies and standards for program operations statewide; develops training standards for employer compliance with safety and health regulations; drafts policies and regulatory standards for several programs including occupational safety, occupational health, voluntary compliance safety training and compliance health training; and writes policies and procedures manuals for the administration of state programs. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Safety Discrimination Investigator Supervisor class by its responsibility for the interpretation and development of statewide program policies and standards.

Complexity of Work: This class performs work of considerable difficulty by determining the impact of federal policy on the state Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) plan. The position reviews federal OSHA policies on training and education, administrative management, program operation analysis, and discrimination in order to develop or revise guidelines, regulations and policies; prepares for hearings before the Safety and Health Codes Board; and trains staff in the new directives. The position provides program managers with legal assistance in the management of special case inspections and investigations; directs the drafting of warrants for consideration by the Attorney General’s Office to assist field managers in the resolution of cases; serves as staff support to the Safety and Health Codes Board and follows the State Administrative Process Act to initiate and assist in the adoption of policies by the Board; insures the training of personnel to maintain current knowledge of inspections and investigative tools used in their work; reviews complaints reported by employees of imminent danger in the work place; and directs the research, investigation and resolution of complaints by staff. Positions are also involved in legal review of contested cases by employers and the work necessary to draft warrants for consideration by the Attorney General’s Office.

Supervision Given: Provides supervision to Occupational Safety/Health Discrimination Investigator Supervisor and support staff.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from the Occupational Safety and Health Assistant Commissioner on matters pertaining to policies and procedures, investigations, warrants, legal documents and service to the Board.

Scope: The work performed by this class impacts the design of programs that will have a bearing on investigations and on the physical and economic well-being of employees in the Commonwealth; and allows the division to operate closely with the federal OSHA plan which is pertinent to maintenance of state operational authority.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance ensures the sound interpretation and development of program standards and policies which affect occupational safety and health programs statewide. Ineffective policies and interpretations will result in inconsistent applications of OSHA regulations, and inhibit programs from providing for safe and healthy work practices and environments.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts are maintained with agency staff to provide technical assistance or supervision; with members of the Safety and Health Codes Boards on rules and regulatory reviews; with federal officials on safety and health directives and to interface federal directives with state regulations; and with the Attorney General’s Office and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office on legal issues.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of all phases of federal and state occupational safety and health laws, standards, policies and publications. Working knowledge of different types of work environments.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to train, organize and supervise a staff of occupational safety and health personnel and highly technical programs affecting enforcement and consultative compliance; to analyze data; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

OUALIFTCATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in occupational safety and health, engineering, a safety discipline, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in program management related to safety or health laws, standards, rules and regulations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised in February 1989 as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program.

Last updated: 2/1/89