DIR 1998-99 Budget Highlights

The recently enacted 1998 Budget provides the Department of Industrial Relations with $225.2 million to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and economic well-being of Californians in the workplace. Included in the final budget are:

• $3.626 million for the Cal-OSHA Program to increase workplace health and safety inspections and consultations; increase Cal-OSHA information available to the public; and increase General Fund collections of OSHA penalties.

• $1.2 million to perform an in depth study of California’s Workers’ Compensation Permanent Disability Rating Schedule.

• $643,000 for expansion of the Targeted Industries Partnership Program investigations into the restaurant industry.

• $618,000 for increased Elevator Safety inspections beginning in 1998-99.

• $191,000 for increased Public works complaint investigations.

Governor’s Vetoes

The following represent items within the Department of Industrial Relations’ 1998 budget vetoed by the Governor.

$28,300 for the California Apprenticeship Council to eliminate regulatory restrictions placed on the Council. The Governor indicated that the language infringes upon the ability of the Executive Branch to operate the program in accordance with existing statute, and that funding for the Council will continue to be provided by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards within the Department of Industrial Relations.

Language which would have restricted the Department’s ability to set prevailing wages for public works projects.

$110,000 and one position added by the Legislature for the Industrial Welfare Commission since this funding level was insufficient to adequately fund this program.

$716,000 and nine positions added by the Legislature for increased workers’ compensation audits since the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation is currently performing a study to determine adequate funding for this unit.

$125,000 and 2 positions added by the Legislature for the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation because the need for the additional staff has not been demonstrated.

$1.8 million for the Targeted Inspection and Consultation Program because this program was intended to be a self funded program, and since adequate funding exists within the Department of Industrial Relations to continue the program through the end of the fiscal year.