House committee advances bill to align Kentucky OSHA rules with federal standards; labor warns of weakened protections

FRANKFORT — The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment on Wednesday voted to advance House Bill 398, an occupational safety and health measure sponsored by Representative Walker Thomas that would align Kentucky’s rules with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

The committee adopted a committee substitute and then passed House Bill 398 as amended by that substitute with a favorable committee vote. Sponsor Walker Thomas said the bill is intended to provide clearer, more consistent rules for businesses while continuing state enforcement.

“This bill just shows our commitment to the business community while not jeopardizing the safety of our great employees,” Representative Walker Thomas said when presenting the measure.

Labor leaders and construction trade representatives urged the committee to reject the bill or amend it further, saying the substitute contains provisions that would reduce worker protections, restrict who can request inspections and increase financial exposure for the state agency that enforces workplace safety rules.

“This bill is not just simply a technicality, it's a direct assault on the workers of Kentucky,” Dustin Rienstedler, president of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, told the committee. “House Bill…