The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced in a statement that it is holding a meeting of the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH) in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13, 2008. The open meeting will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room N-3437, Conference Rooms A/B/C of the Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20210.

The 16-member Council advises the Secretary of Labor on occupational safety and health issues related to federal employees, including advice on how to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses in the federal workforce. Additionally, Council members recommend methods for the establishment and maintenance of effective occupational safety and health programs in each federal department and agency.

The tentative agenda for the meeting includes, among other topics, the FY 2008 performance status of federal executive branch agencies in meeting the four goals of the Presidential Safety, Health and Return-to-Employment (SHARE) Initiative; updates on the FY 2007 Secretary's Report to the President on Federal Agency Occupational Safety and Health; tracking incidents related to emergency response and recovery operations; and updates on the federal agency Site-Specific Targeting Program.

Press inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Ashley, OSHA, Office of Communications at 202-693-1999. For general information, contact Francis Yebesi, OSHA, Office of Federal Agency Programs at 202-693-2122. Individuals who need special accommodations may contact Veneta Chatmon at 202-693-1999 to make arrangements.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to promote the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visitwww.osha.gov.