Researching Federal Administrative Agencies
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Labor. It is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and publishing data on employment, prices, productivity, and other aspects of the U.S. economy. The BLS is authorized to conduct surveys, collect data from businesses and households, and publish its findings in a variety of reports and publications. The BLS is led by the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, who is appointed by the President of the United States. The BLS was established in 1884 and has a long history of providing reliable and accurate economic data.
2. Find a proposed rule or regulation that this agency is thinking about passing which is published to the public for comment and input. Proposed rules or regulations are published in the “Federal Register” and this can be searched by going to: [invalid URL removed]. Briefly describe the rule or regulation being proposed that requires businesses or individuals to do or not do something or sets some standard. Copy/paste your link to this notice in your answer for the instructor to quickly review it when grading your answer. [If you can't find a proposed rule or regulation or action, then you should pick a different agency and start back to #1 above]
The BLS has recently published a proposed rule for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that would update the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The proposed rule would require businesses to provide more information to workers about hazardous chemicals, including the potential health effects of exposure. The proposed rule also updates the labeling requirements for hazardous chemicals. The proposed rule is available for public comment until March 15, 2025. You can find the proposed rule here: [invalid URL removed]
3. Find a rule or regulation already passed by this agency and has the effect of a law. Passed agency rules and regulations are published to the public in the “Code of Federal Regulations” which can be searched by going to: [invalid URL removed]. Briefly describe the rule or regulation that is in effect that requires businesses or individuals to do or not do something or sets some standard. Copy/paste your link to this notice in your answer for the instructor to quickly review it when grading your answer. [If you can't find a passed rule or regulation or action, then you should pick a different agency and start back to #1 & redo #1 & #2 above]
The BLS has passed a rule that requires employers to report workplace injuries and illnesses to the agency. The rule, which is known as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Recordkeeping Rule, requires employers to maintain records of all workplace injuries and illnesses. The rule also requires employers to report certain workplace injuries and illnesses to the BLS. The OSHA Recordkeeping Rule is available here: [invalid URL removed]
Now that you have learned the basics about administrative law researching, let's go to this link: [invalid URL removed] and select an administrative agency from the list that starts with the same letter as your LAST name (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
1. Find this federal administrative agency’s website and learn about it. What is the power and authority of the agency granted to it by Congress or the President? Who is in charge of your administrative agency (name the person or persons)? How did they get their job? Give a brief history of its existence and give the link to its official internet page in your answer below (explain in 5 sentences or less).