"We are ready to get to work as we have a lot to do to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses," Solis said. "I want OSHA to get back to being active and robust. And I want to make it clear that we want to partner with business to keep workers safe - to partner with safety professionals, businesses and communities."

To do this, Solis discussed the proposed department budget for the DOL for 2010 of $1.7 billion to go towards programs which include $50.6 million for OSHA, allowing for the hiring of at least 130 more inspectors and an increase by 10 percent the number of inspections.

"Despite these tough economic times, we hope to have this budget approved," Solis said. "We look forward to working with businesses - large and small - as we have in successful programs in New York and California. We will also be building on practices that work.

"We want to return respect to OSHA," Solis said. 

The 98-year-old ASSE is the oldest and largest safety society with more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members located worldwide. ASSE is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. The June 28- July 1 ASSE PDC features 225 educational sessions featuring cutting edge issues along with one of the largest occupational safety, health and environmental expositions in the U.S. The expo features 400 companies including 70 new exhibitors.  Other key presentations will be made by former Yahoo! Chief Solutions Officer Tim Sanders who will discuss corporate social responsibility and green business practices. U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA Jordan Barab will participate in a special Plenary Session today.  The last day of the conference features an executive summit of corporate executives discussing what they look for in a successful safety and health program and SH&E practitioners. Key issue roundtables, which provide individual attendees an opportunity to discuss issues and experiences, will also be held during the PDC.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE's members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education.