Press Releases

Today, Workforce Protections Subcommittee Chairman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) delivered the following statement, as prepared for delivery, at a hearing titled "Safe Workplaces, Stronger Partnerships: The Future of OSHA Compliance Assistance":

"Today’s hearing will explore compliance assistance programs offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its state partners. We will consider ways to strengthen these federal programs and learn more about the public-private safety partnerships that support OSHA’s mission—with the goal of protecting those who work hard every day to provide for their families and deserve to do so in safe conditions. 
 
"Since its establishment in 1971, OSHA has developed enforcement efforts and robust compliance assistance programs. These programs help protect the millions of Americans who work hard every day to provide for their families—by giving employers the tools and guidance they need to prevent injuries and illnesses before they occur. Instead of relying solely on inspections and investigations after a violation has happened, compliance assistance encourages a proactive approach to safety, which is essential to any effective health and safety management system. 
 
"Many of these programs have been in place for almost as long as OSHA itself. For example, this year marks the 50th anniversary of OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program, which provides no-cost, confidential occupational safety and health services that are tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. In 1982, OSHA approved the first site for its new Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), which recognize workplaces with safety and health practices that go above and beyond legal requirements. In addition to OSHA’s many federal programs, there is a vast network of programs and initiatives conducted by states with their own OSHA-approved state plans. 
 
"As we look ahead, it’s clear that workplaces are changing rapidly. New industries, emerging technologies, and evolving hazards require OSHA’s compliance assistance programs to be more innovative, accessible, and adaptable than ever before. 
 
"Updating compliance assistance programs calls for a collaborative approach. Strong partnerships among state agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders will be vital. We must combine enforcement efforts with educational opportunities for employers and workers who want to meet their compliance obligations if we are going to protect workers. 
 
"Importantly, certain federal programs, such as the VPP, are discretionary programs, meaning their effectiveness can change dramatically year over year, and employers engaged in these programs are under constant threat of losing this critical resource. We will hear more about a solution that addresses this concern and codifies the program, allowing it to perform more consistently. 
 
"Today, we will hear from individuals in the workplaces where these compliance assistance programs are used. The witnesses will offer their perspective on how these programs have made their workplaces safer, and they will make recommendations about how these programs can be improved to ensure worker health and safety."

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