How Obama’s OSHA nominee would ‘fix’ workplace safety

Even before he goes under the microscope in Congress, we already know some important workplace safety and health opinions held by David Michaels, President Obama’s nominee to head the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It probably comes as no surprise that he favors more regulations for businesses.
Michaels’ experience is as a researcher and scientist. His background shows in testimony he gave to Congress two years ago. His topic: Is OSHA working for working people? His answer: No.
Michaels called the number of preventable work-related injuries and illnesses occurring in the U.S. “unacceptably high.”
Why is that? Michaels said, “OSHA enforcement does not appear to be effective in further reducing injury rates.”
How would he fix that? Michaels said, “It is time for the agency to start using [the general duty clause] again.” That clause allows OSHA to issue citations and fines against companies for hazards that aren’t specifically spelled out in the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
He’d also require companies to draft their own Comprehensive Workplace Safety and Health Program Standards. Every employer would be required to develop and follow a hazard reduction plan.
When an OSHA inspector visits, the first determination would be if managers were meeting the facility’s own plan. If not, they’d be in violation, end of discussion.
When it comes to chemical exposure limits, Michaels called for Congress to require OSHA to adopt national consensus standards issued by independent organizations such as The American Conference of Industrial Hygienists. Result for businesses: more regulations approved faster.

http://www.businessbrief.com/how-obamas-osha-nominee-would-fix-workplace-safety/

by Fred Hosier