23-407. Duties and powers of the division

The division on behalf of the commission shall:

1. Recommend all standards, rules or changes thereto, pursuant to section 23-410, to the commission for the commission's approval or disapproval.

2. Have the authority to enforce all such standards or rules, after adoption by the commission, pursuant to the procedures and requirements of this article.

3. Implement an occupational safety and health program that includes the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Development of a statewide occupational safety and health education and training program to acquaint employers, supervisors, employees and employee representatives with the most modern and effective techniques of accident prevention and occupational health control.

(b) Development of training programs for employees of the division, and where necessary develop certification programs for recognition of competent, trained personnel.

(c) Planning, organizing, conducting or attending occupational safety and health seminars, conferences and meetings designed for management, supervisory personnel, employees and employer representatives and establishing liaison with other safety and health groups as may be necessary.

(d) Definition and establishment of necessary research projects.

(e) Arrangement and procurement of necessary contractual services and training aids.

(f) Development of specific occupational safety and health programs for employer and employee representative groups.

4. Develop and maintain an effective program of collection, compilation and analysis of occupational safety and health statistics. The division shall compile statistics on work injuries and illnesses that shall include all disabling, serious or significant injuries and illnesses whether or not involving loss of time from work, other than minor injuries requiring only first aid treatment and that do not involve medical treatment, loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion or transfer to another job.

5. Coordinate the responsibilities and functions of other state agencies and political subdivisions of the state with regard to occupational safety and health in order to develop a comprehensive statewide program.

6. Contract with the office of administrative hearings to conduct hearings and adjudicate contested cases on an employer filing a notice of contest of a citation, proposed penalty or abatement period pursuant to this article. The decisions of the office of administrative hearings shall be subject to appeal to the review board established pursuant to this article.