More details on dramatic proposed changes to OSHA Act

As I wrote in an earlier post legislation is moving through the House of Representatives that would dramatically change the OSHA Act, increasing protection for whistleblowers and making officers and directors subject to criminal liability for OSHA violations in certain situations.

The bill would also greatly reduce an employer’s ability to delay abatement of contested violations.

Attorneys at the firm of Morgan Lewis have written an excellent article with additional details about the implications of the bill.

Morgan Lewis says, and I agree, that employers need to pay close attention to the proposed law and the impact it could have on their operations. Employers also need to be reviewing their health and safety programs in light of the dramatic changes that could come.