96 Chapter 3 State Jurisdiction and State Plans The Act allows any state to enforce health and safety standards not established and enforced under the OSH Act of 1970 and its amendments [44]. It does allow any state to assume responsibility for development and enforcement therein of occupational safety and health standards relating to any occupational safety or health issue with respect to which a Federal standard has been promulgated under section 6 shall submit a State plan for the development of such standards and their enforcement. [45] The Act establishes rules, procedures, and actions which must be implemented in order for this to occur. It also establishes procedures and mechanisms [46] by which the Secretary of Labor shall approve or reject a state plan. As of July, 2008 there are 26 states and jurisdictions operating complete state plans, which cover both private sector and state and local governmental employees. There are four states which cover public employees only. Eight other states were originally approved for the program, but have subsequently withdrawn. Reference Table 3.2 for those states. There are four stages through which a state must progress, before it can be accredited to