Congress recognized the value in seeking advice and guidance from the public through the enactment of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA) (Public Law 92-463; 5 U.S.C. App. 2).

Federal agencies gain access to valuable information from advisory committee members' expertise on many different issues affecting policies and programs. In return, the public is provided an opportunity to play an active role in the government's decision-making process.

OSHA sponsors five advisory committees that advise the Labor Secretary and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on whistleblower protection activities, and workplace safety and health issues in the construction, general and maritime industries and federal government.

• ACCSH - Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
  
  
• NACOSH - National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health
  
  
• FACOSH - Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health
  
  
• MACOSH - Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health
  
  
WPAC - Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee

All of OSHA's advisory committees have membership balanced between representatives of workers and employers, and most also include other qualified individuals such as government officials, safety and health professionals, and members of the public. All committee meetings are announced in the Federal Register and on OSHA's Web site, and are open to the public. All committees accept comments from interested individuals. Transcripts and minutes of the meetings are also available to the public on the committee pages.