Congress Begins the Debate on Reforms of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act)

This week Congress held three hearings focusing on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In particular, the hearings evaluated OSHA's enforcement efforts and the effectiveness of its penalties in deterring violations. The hearings were a chance for the Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee to talk about their goals to expand OSHA's reach and increase enforcement efforts. These hearings were scheduled to highlight legislation introduced on April 23, 2009, called the Protecting America's Workers Act, H.R. 2067. This bill would make changes to the OSH Act by increasing enforcement efforts, greatly increasing penalties and making serious OSHA violations felonies subject to criminal penalties including prison time of not more than ten years. Among those testifying before the House Committee was Acting Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Jordan Barab. In Mr. Barab's written testimony, he mentioned that the Secretary of Labor "has emphasized that strong, vigorous enforcement of the OSH Act is among her top priorities." In addition, Mr. Barab has informed field staff that OSHA "will suspend the previous administration's practice of establishing goals for new Voluntary Protection Program sites and Alliances."