John Ho was quoted in a SHRM article discussing the potential impacts of cost-cutting measures at the Department of Labor, highlighting the challenges ahead for OSHA enforcement. John noted, “From a practical enforcement standpoint, given what is happening with federal employees in general, employers may want to be more aggressive about contesting citations.” Ho further explained, “Frankly, OSHA has always been understaffed given the territory it covers, and I suspect for citations that do not involve serious injuries, the DOL [U.S. Department of Labor] may not have the resources to litigate as many of them.” He added that in such cases, “the citation can be sent back to OSHA to try to negotiate a settlement, and this will often lead to more favorable terms.”

John also suggested that criticizing the significance of employee safety and health might lead to backlash, particularly in light of H.R. 86. This bill, introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), seeks to abolish OSHA, but it currently has no co-sponsors.

To read more, click here.