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Government agencies

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. BLS collects, processes, analyzes and disseminates statistical information related to the U.S. work force and economy. BLS measures economic conditions such as unemployment, average annual pay and hours worked, and employment cost indexes. BLS' Web site includes information about workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities on federal, regional and state scales, as well as work force demographics. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was established by Congress in 1966 to oversee and maintain fast, safe and efficient transportation systems in the United States. DOT contains 12 administrations; among these, the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Research and Special Programs Administration influence legislation and create regulations that affect roofing contractors. DOT's Web site contains information about and links to each DOT administration's Web site; copies of DOT laws, regulations, policies and guidelines; and links to important research and publication resources, such as the DOT library. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for protecting human health-including in the workplace-and safeguarding the United States' environment. Among EPA's responsibilities are maintaining clean air and water, preventing pollution and managing waste disposal. EPA's Web site offers, among other things, copies of EPA regulations; EPA program information; copies of speeches and congressional testimonies given by EPA officials; information about EPA's offices, such as the Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance; and contact information. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for preventing workplace-related illnesses, diseases and injuries. An agency of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIOSH researches occupational diseases; hazardous working conditions; and workplace disease, injury and disability prevention and education. NIOSH's Web site contains directories to NIOSH employees and programs; lists of recent NIOSH research projects; links to the National Occupational Research Agenda, which is a framework for workplace safety and health research for the entire occupational safety and health community; and descriptions of NIOSH services and programs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established by Congress in 1970 to regulate and maintain workplace conditions and practices for U.S. workers. OSHA, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, uses standards, enforcement polices and mandatory compliance rules to help U.S. employers maintain safe workplaces and protect workers' safety and health, as well as reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. OSHA's Web site contains information about the agency's responsibilities and strategic plan; copies of its and other safety and health-related organizations' regulations; schedules of future conferences, meetings and hearings; and information about OSHA programs. Note: Federal OSHA does not govern some U.S. states. These states are considered OSHA state plan states. For a list of these states, click here.