Enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Laws Declines Under Trump Administration

Washington, DC—Crucial lifesaving worksite enforcement activity by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is declining under the Trump administration, according to a new data brief released today by the National Employment Law Project.

Even though U.S. Labor Secretary Alex Acosta stated at a recent hearing that “laws matter . . . and they need to be enforced,” the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is cutting back on enforcement activity, with key enforcement indicators showing declining activity from FY 2016 to FY 2017.

Moreover, the latest available data reveals that this decline in enforcement activity continued at an accelerated pace in the first five months of FY 2018. Enforcement activity, as measured by OSHA in enforcement units, is down by 1,163 units in just the first five months of this fiscal year, compared to the same time period in FY 2017.

“Instead of putting America’s workers first, the Trump administration is jeopardizing their health and safety by cutting back on protecting workers,” said Debbie Berkowitz, senior fellow for worker safety and health with the National Employment Law Project.

READ THE DATA BRIEF:
OSHA Enforcement Activity Declines Under the Trump Administration

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