Labor Leaders Demands Probe into Allegations about ‘Improper’ OSHA Investigations and Misuse of OSHA Funds
WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and Workforce Protection Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma S. Adams (NC-12) called on Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to address troubling allegations involving the misuse of federal funds and improper advance notice of workplace safety inspections by state agencies.
The Ranking Members expressed concern over disturbing reports that suggest some state OSHA agencies might be ‘tipping off’ employers before inspections occur. Such practices, if confirmed, would severely undermine the effectiveness of workplace safety regulations and the integrity of federal oversight. In some cases, these alleged advance warnings might even enable employers to evade detection for child labor and trafficking violations.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act is designed to ensure that inspections are carried out without advance notice, allowing for accurate assessments of workplace conditions. However, recent reports revealed allegations that California Division of OSHA might be providing advance notice to employers, enabling them to clean up or fix issues before inspections. Similarly, reports from South Carolina suggest that employers may be evading detection of child labor violations by exploiting advance warnings.
“Workers deserve to be protected, not exploited,” said the Ranking Members. “If these allegations are true, it means that our federal funds, meant to ensure safe and fair workplaces, might be enabling exactly the opposite. It is crucial that we get to the bottom of this and hold those responsible accountable.”
The letter from Ranking Members demands answers from the Department of Labor (DOL) on how they would handle credible claims of advance notice of inspections, the challenges they face in monitoring state compliance, and any improper use of federal funds. The Committee is pushing for transparency and urgency to safeguard workers and ensure that state agencies are adhering to the highest standards of enforcement.
To read the full text of the letter, click here.
###
Press Contact
Contact: Democratic Press Office, 202-226-0853
Next Article Previous Article