§ 884. Legislative findings and intent. The workers of New York state,
both public and private, pursuant to state and federal laws, have the
right to a safe and healthy workplace, including, pursuant to the
provisions of article twenty-eight of this chapter, the right to
training and education about the toxic substances in their workplace.

It is the public policy of this state to promote safe and healthy
conditions in the workplace. Further, it is the public policy of this
state to encourage voluntary compliance with safety and health
regulations and the prevention of illness and injury through training
and education programs.

Therefore, it is the intent of this legislature to achieve the full
benefits of such preventive measures by creating a training and
educational program on occupational safety and health, which will
operate through a program of grants to employers (public or private),
labor organizations or their federations, trade associations, nonprofit
organizations and educational institutions, for conducting training,
education, and other proven preventive programs. Furthermore, it is the
legislature's intention to foster voluntary preventive activities on the
part of employers and employees by the utilization of the training and
education program on occupational safety and health.