OSHA Enforcement And Compliance Was Up in 2019

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) fiscal year final statistics show the administration saw significant increases in the number of inspections it conducted and compliance assistance provided in 2019, according to a press release.

OSHA says enforcement activities reflect the administration’s continued focus on worker safety. Federal OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections — more inspections than the previous three years — addressing violations related to chemical exposure, falls and other hazards.

In fiscal year 2019, OSHA provided a record 1,392,611 workers with training on safety and health requirements through the administration’s various education programs, including the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Outreach Training Program and Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. OSHA’s compliance assistance programs have helped small businesses address safety and health hazards in their workplaces. In fiscal year 2019, OSHA’s no-cost On-Site Consultation Program identified 137,885 workplace hazards, and protected 3.2 million workers from potential harm.

“OSHA’s efforts – rulemaking, enforcement, compliance assistance and training – are tools to accomplish our mission of safety and health for every worker,” says Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “I am proud of the diligent, hard work of all OSHA personnel who contributed to a memorable year of protecting our nation’s workers.”

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.