Phone:
208-426-3283
Facsimile: 208-426-4411
Kennedy to introduce OSHA reform legislation
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-MA, plans to introduce OSHA reform legislation that would increase criminal penalties for willful violations, cover more workers and protect whistleblowers, Kennedy announced at a press conference April 27.
The bill would make it a felony rather than a misdemeanor for employers to cause a worker's death through willful violation of safety and health laws. It also would update OSHA civil penalties to provide a minimum penalty of$50,OOO when a worker's death is caused by willful violations. Additionally, the bill would expand OSHA protections to state and local public employees not currently covered under the law.