OSHA Reform Package Would Enhance Worker Safety
A legislative package introduced on Feb. 18 by Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.) would help the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) work in a more cooperative and efficient manner with employers to achieve the mutual goal of improving workplace safety, according to NAHB. “By bringing equity to the citation process, the six reform bills unveiled by Rep. Tiahrt will provide OSHA officials more flexibility in working with builders and contractors and help foster a better working relationship between the parties,” said NAHB President David Wilson. The legislation accomplishes several goals: - H.R. 977 would improve job site safety by providing an incentive for employers to promptly correct conditions that violate OSHA standards. The measure provides a “right to cure” — if the employer fixes a potential violation within 72 hours, no fine could be assessed, though a citation would still remain on record.
- H.R. 978 would clarify OSHA’s authority in certain citation matters that involve work sites where several employers are operating.
- H.R. 979 is designed to promote better communication between OSHA and contractors by stipulating that inspectors must provide employers with a written summary of their findings immediately following a site inspection.
- H.R. 980 would streamline the period that OSHA can assess penalties. Currently, the agency has up to six months to issue citations. The bill would assess a time limit of 30 days.
- H.R. 981 would double the time period for businesses to contest OSHA citations from the current 15-day limit to 30 days.
- H.R. 1028 would change the criteria for assessing penalties. Unless a violation is considered “serious,” it cannot be used as the basis for issuing repeat citations.
“These reforms would promote greater fairness for small business owners, advance employer cooperation with OSHA and enhance worker safety,” said Wilson. To read the legislation, click here and enter the bill number in the box at the upper left. | 
