Democrats Warn Penalty Reductions, NIOSH Staff Cuts and Rule Changes Risk Worker Safety

Summary

Committee Democrats and union witnesses told the House Education and Labor subcommittee that recent Department of Labor policy changes and proposed rulemakings — including a new OSHA penalty-reduction policy, proposed child labor rule changes and cuts to NIOSH staffing — could weaken protections and lead to more injuries and deaths.

Democratic members of the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections and union witnesses warned that recent Department of Labor actions and proposed rules could reduce workplace protections and expertise at agencies that research and prevent occupational illness.

‘‘Over the last 6 months, the Trump administration has embarked on an aggressive assault on worker protections,’’ Ranking Member Omar said in her opening remarks, citing a series of rulemakings and staff reductions at agencies that support workplace safety.

Witnesses and members raised three specific concerns. First, a departmental policy change announced by OSHA would broaden criteria for penalty reductions and increase the allowable reductions, which an OSHA official described during questioning. ‘‘The maximum penalty is $16,000.550. So it's, it's roughly $16,000,’’ the Department of Labor official referred to as Miss Randle said when asked about statutory maximums. Miss Randle explained the new policy expands access to penalty reductions, including…

Democrats Warn Penalty Reductions, NIOSH Staff Cuts and Rule Changes Risk Worker Safety

Summary

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