Resources for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Could Senate's Hearing Finally Move OSHA?

www.ohsonline.com

OSHA has resisted a combustible dust standard, and this week a House bill to force one may be passed. Will a U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee hearing today that was filled with searing testimony push a reform bill into law and produce a tougher OSHA? Sen. Edward Kennedy's committee heard from only five witnesses, but their testimony -- available in PDF versions online via the committee's Web site -- afforded plenty of support for a bill that would result in higher penalties and possible criminal prosecution for workplace fatalities.

"A number of us have introduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act to give OSHA the support it needs to change employers’ behavior," Kennedy said Tuesday, after releasing a report critical of OSHA's penalties in fatality cases. "It makes reasonable increases in civil penalties – especially in the most serious cases. It also creates a strong criminal penalty, including the possibility of felony charges and significant prison terms. . . . The problem of workplace fatalities isn't going away. As the economy continues its decline, the pressure on America’s workers to increase productivity is growing. Achieving higher production often mean cutting corners on safety. We all know where that leads – more accidents, more injuries, and more deaths. Even in these difficult economic times, workers deserve to have their safety put first."

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