OSHA's New Budget

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) reported last week that Congress finally passed its budget and OSHA's budget has increased to $513,042,000 for this fiscal year. According to AIHA, that's an increase over last year with most of the increase in the enforcement area.

Here's how it breaks down:

• $17,204,000 for Federal Enforcement
• $197,946,000 for State Programs
• $92,593,000 for Technical Support
• $22,632,000 for Compliance & Assistance Federal
• $72,659 for State Consultation
• $54,531,000 for Training Grants
• $10,000,000 for Safety & Health Statistics
• $34,128,000 Administration
• $11,349,000 ??

"AIHA notes that language attached to the final 2009 budget states OSHA should spend more of this money on enforcement, improved recordkeeping, specific issues such as diacetyl, cranes and derricks, pandemic flu, ergonomics guidelines, silica, etc. "