Updates and Reforms Proposed for OSHAct

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has reintroduced legislation she says will help ensure that workers are safeguarded in the 21st century economy. The Protecting America’s Workers Act (PAWA) amends and updates the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Similar measures have been introduced in the past, but have not made it through Congress.

The PAWA would expand the OSHAct to include state, county, municipal, and federal government employees who are currently not covered in states where federal OSHA has authority. It would also increase whistleblower protections and improve OSHA reporting, inspection, and enforcement. For example, it would make it a felony for employers to have knowledge of violations that lead to an employee fatality.

Said Murray, "Every worker, in every industry, deserves to be confident that while they are working hard and doing their jobs, their employers are doing everything they can to protect them."

Ten other Democratic senators signed on as cosponsors.

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Wide-Ranging Reforms Suggested

Last year, a white paper published by the nonprofit Center for Progressive Reform (CPR) suggested that Congress should make wide-ranging reforms to the OSHAct.

According to the organization, the 1970 law "brought significant gains in worker safety, but it has not proved nimble enough to achieve its purpose of providing safe and healthful workplaces."

Report co-author Thomas McGarity, a law professor and CPR board member, wrote: "Workers are much safer today than they were decades ago, but thousands still die from workplace injuries every year. Congress needs to let go of the status quo and enact broad reforms that will save lives."

The CPR suggested revising the OSHAct to:

• Allow harmed workers to directly sue employers
• Increase criminal and civil penalties
• Strengthen education and training requirements
• Require corporate officers to report dangers to workers
• Increase OSHA’s budget through user fees

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