Watchdog Rebukes OSHA

September 12, 2023

 

OSHA criticized for pandemic plan

  • A US Department of Labor watchdog report found millions in federal COVID-19 relief dollars for states’ worker safety efforts reached only five states despite 28 states being eligible,
  • Only $12.4 million out of $16 million available under the pandemic grant program was allocated by the OSHA, according to the DOL Office of Inspector report released Tuesday.
  • The money was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 which became law on March 11, 2021.
  • OSHA was provided with about $100 million to be spent through fiscal year 2023.
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Labor unions have impact on nursing homes, OSHA rules

  • U.S. nursing homes are required to report workplace injury and illness data to OSHA.
  • However, the compliance rate for US nursing homes during the period 2016–21 was only 40%.
  • Unionized nursing homes were 31.1 percentage points more likely than nonunion nursing homes to report workplace injury and illness data to OSHA.
  • Data on injuries occurring in specific workplaces play a central role in injury prevention.
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OSHA urges hurricane awareness

  • OSHA has urged response crews and residents of the states affected by Hurricane Idalia to be aware of the hazards involved in after-storm cleanup efforts.
  • Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas experienced flooding, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees, and debris due to the storm, which made landfall on Florida’s west coast as a Category 4 hurricane.
  • Storm recovery efforts could involve hazards related to restoring electricity and communications, removing debris, repairing water damage, repairing or replacing roofs, and trimming trees, OSHA said.
  • OSHA suggests that only individuals with proper training, equipment, and experience should conduct such recovery and cleanup activities.
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Foreign sheepherders face challenges

  • Sheepherders in Idaho have long-standing problems with the H-2A visa program that permits ranchers to bring in foreign workers to herd sheep.
  • Employers sometimes send workers injured on the job back home to avoid a workers’ compensation claim and the costs of feeding the worker while he recovers and cannot work.
  • When a worker calls to find out what they can do about unsafe or poor working conditions, they can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 is a bill with bipartisan support in Congress and contains provisions for employers and workers.
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