Duties and powers of the department.

The department shall: A. prevent or abate detriment to the health and safety of employees arising out of and in the course of employment; B. develop an effective and comprehensive program for the prevention or abatement of detriment to the health and safety of employees within the state; C. advise and recommend an effective and comprehensive program of occupational health and safety applicable to all employees of public agencies of the state and its political subdivisions; D. cause to be instituted legal proceedings to compel compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act or any regulation of the board; E. accept, receive and administer grants or other funds or gifts from public or private agencies, including the federal government; F. take reasonable steps to inform employees of their protections and obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including the provisions of applicable regulations; and G. make reports to the secretary of the United States department of labor in the form and containing the information as the secretary may from time to time require.