CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A resolution requiring a study of the state's Occupational Safety and Health Act will be introduced before the House of Delegates Committee on Government Organization, said John Thompson, field organizer for the West Virginia Public Workers Union/UE Local 170.

Passed in 1987, the state's Occupational Safety and Health Act was supposed to require safety inspections at state offices and other workplaces. But the legislation has never been funded.

The House resolution points out that a 2002 Legislative Audit found the 1987 legislation "has never been properly implemented or enforced."

The resolution also states the Legislative Auditor, the Division of Labor and other state agencies "shall be directed to participate in this study."

The resolution would require the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to report its "findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations" to the state Legislature in 2011.

If a state workplace inspection program is implemented, federal funds would finance half its budget.

Sen. Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, introduced a similar resolution in the Senate.

But no legislative action has been taken on this issue, Thompson said.