05.15.17

National COSH Backs Legislation to Prevent Employers From Hiding Workplace Injuries

Identifying Workplace Hazards Crucial to Improving Safety Conditions; Employers Who Keep Accurate Records Deserve a Level Playing Field

SAN DIEGO, CA – The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) said today that new legislation to prevent employers from hiding workplace injuries is crucial to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers. 

“You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know it exists,” said Jessica Martinez, co-executive director of National COSH. “It’s critical to support legislation that will hold employers accountable when they try to hide crucial information about workplace hazards."

The Accurate Workplace Injury and Illness Records Restoration Act was introduced today by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA). The bill will reinstate the longstanding authority of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to sanction employers in hazardous industries who repeatedly fail to accurately report injuries and illnesses.

“Tens of thousands of Americans die every year from preventable illnesses and injuries in the workplace, and millions more are hurt on the job,” said Marcy Goldstein Gelb, also a co-executive director of National COSH. “If we let employers get away with failing to report safety problems, we’re putting workers at risk. It’s also unfair to responsible companies who keep accurate records; they deserve a level playing field.”

The legislation introduced today responds to recent action under the Congressional Review Act, which severely limits OSHA’s ability to enforce existing laws that require employers to keep accurate records about employees who are injured or become ill in the workplace. 

Press Contact

Roger Kersonroger@nationalcosh.org, 734-645-0535