§ 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.