(1) The General Assembly finds that the proliferation and variety of hazardous chemicals present in government employment may affect the health, safety, and welfare of public employees of the State of Arkansas.
(2) The General Assembly also finds that most private employers, in compliance with United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, provide their employees with training, information, and other protections concerning chemical hazards, but that public employees of the State of Arkansas and its political subdivisions are not subject to United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and do not receive the benefits of these protections.
(3) It is the purpose of this subchapter to provide public employees access to training and information concerning hazardous chemicals to enable them to minimize their exposure to such hazardous chemicals and protect their health, safety, and welfare.