|
Standards and Inspections Division
The Standards and Inspections Division is divided into six bureaus:
Apprenticeship and Training Bureau
— The bureau promotes and monitors a broad range of apprenticeship
programs that train journeyman-level craft workers to meet the demand
for high-skilled workers. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored
through private employers or under joint labor-management committees.
Boiler Safety Bureau —
The bureau regulates the construction, installation, repair, alteration,
inspection, use and operation of vessels. The bureau conducts periodic
inspections of vessels, monitors inspection reports, and maintains
records on ownership, location and condition of working boilers
and pressure vessels. It also issues operating certificates to boiler
owners and operators who meet requirements.
Elevator and Amusement Device
Bureau — The Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau oversees,
except in federal buildings, the installation and safe operation
of elevators, escalators, workman's hoists, dumbwaiters, moving
walks, aerial passenger tramways, amusement rides, included railways
and lifting devices for people with disabilities. The bureau conducts
more than 24,000 annual inspections and approves plans and applications
for equipment that falls under its jurisdiction.
Employment Discrimination Bureau
— The Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act protects employees
who in good faith file or initiate an inquiry about workers' compensation
claims or exercise their rights under state law. Investigators examine
the complaints filed and, if the complaint is found without merit,
advise the complainant on legal recourses. If the complaint is found
to be valid, the bureau attempts conciliation through information
means before issuing a right-to-sue letter or taking the complaint
to court.
Mine and Quarry Bureau — The
Mine and Quarry Bureau conducts inspections, education and training,
and technical assistance on the operation of more than 440 private-sector
mines, quarries and sand and gravel pit operations. The bureau
also inspects abandoned surface mines for the protection of the
general public, promotes rockhound safety, and conducts an explosives
safety course for anyone handling or using explosives.
Wage and Hour Bureau — The Wage and Hour Bureau enforces
laws that cover minimum wage, maximum hours, wage payment and child
labor. Wage payment provisions—which include the payment of
promised vacation, sick pay or other benefits—cover all employees
except those in federal, state and local government. The bureau
investigates worker complains and collects back wages owed to employees.
The bureau also licenses and regulates private personnel and job
listing services. Companies that charge their clients must obtain
a license from the department.
Youth employment certificates are required for workers under 18
years of age and are available online. This age group is prohibited
from employment in certain hazardous conditions.
| 
