December 9, 1982
I am today announcing a program which will improve our efforts to reduce work-related injuries
and illnesses in the Federal workforce. In this Administration, great strides have been made by the
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration in attempting to provide a
safer and healthier workplace in the private sector. We must make equal improvements in our
programs for the Federal worker.
In keeping with my dedication to improve the efficiency of government, I am committed to both a
reduction in injuries and illnesses and a reduction in accompanying costs. Today, I am making it
the responsibility of all Federal managers, supervisors and employees to take an active part in this
program to improve the record of the Federal government in the area of occupational safety and
health.
In so doing, I have directed the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Federal Advisory
Council on Occupational Safety and Health, to develop additional strategies to stimulate joint
problem-solving activities throughout the government. I am also authorizing a system of
Presidential awards to be presented annually to those agencies showing the greatest commitment
and results in improving the safety and health conditions for their workers.
The Federal government's most valuable resource is its dedicated and highly skilled workforce.
Today, we embark on a program for Federal employees that will bring down injury and illness
rates and thereby reduce human suffering.
Ronald Reagan