{"id":29831,"date":"2025-04-04T15:17:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T22:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/protecting-osha-protects-workers-slashing-its-budget-is-a-dangerous-mistake\/"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:17:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T22:17:51","slug":"protecting-osha-protects-workers-slashing-its-budget-is-a-dangerous-mistake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/protecting-osha-protects-workers-slashing-its-budget-is-a-dangerous-mistake\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting OSHA protects workers. Slashing its budget is a dangerous mistake."},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"text-to-speech\">\n    <button class=\"text-to-speech__button button\"><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"text-to-speech__button__icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructiondive.com\/static\/images\/audio_icon.svg?482016190122\" alt=\"-\"><\/p>\n<p>        Listen to the article<br \/>\n        <span class=\"text-to-speech__button__audio-length\">7 min<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-to-speech__controls\">\n        <audio controls=\"\" class=\"js-text-to-speech\" preload=\"none\"><source src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dmgi9movl\/video\/upload\/q_1\/v1743794512\/news\/text_to_speech\/protecting-osha-protects-workers-budget_i2pegc.wav\" type=\"audio\/mp3\"><\/source><\/audio><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-to-speech__controls__text\">\n            This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.constructiondive.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\">feedback<\/a>.\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"editor-note\">\n<p>Cam Mackey is president and CEO of the Arlington, Virginia-based International Safety Equipment Association. Opinions are the author\u2019s own.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Every American worker deserves to return home safe at the end of the day. And every American family wants to feel confident their loved ones will come home unharmed.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>This isn\u2019t a partisan issue \u2014 worker safety is a shared American value. For decades, we\u2019ve agreed as a nation that safeguarding employees on the job requires sensible regulation, public policy and oversight.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>That\u2019s why the International Safety Equipment Association was deeply concerned by a recent legislative proposal to eliminate the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. While some <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.constructiondive.com\/news\/osha-abolish-zero-chance-trump-labor-changes\/739641\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>dismissed the bill as political posturing<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span>, the proposal itself is troubling. Even suggesting OSHA\u2019s dissolution sends a chilling message about how little some value worker protection.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Equally troubling are proposed funding cuts to OSHA. Some believe slashing the agency\u2019s budget would boost the economy. The truth is that cutting corners on safety increases costs in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Like any organization, OSHA must be efficient and effective. But draining its resources would only lead to more injuries, more fatalities and ultimately greater financial and human costs for employers and families.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"standard-heading\"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>OSHA\u2019s lifesaving impact<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Since OSHA\u2019s establishment in 1970, the agency has helped dramatically improve workplace safety. That year, roughly <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epi.org\/publication\/government_regulations_save_lives_on_the_job\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>14,000 workers died on the job<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span>, per the Economic Policy Institute. By 2022, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/cfoi.nr0.htm\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>that number dropped to 5,486<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span>, even as the American workforce grew, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"image-right inside_story\">\n<div class=\"figure_content\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Headshot of Cam Mackey\" data-imagemodel=\"177111\" src=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.divecdn.com\/cFv3E_5glIS7KIlYSVmknmHImWIT7qX0HBv-RcLpTz0\/g:ce\/rs:fit:1600:0\/Z3M6Ly9kaXZlc2l0ZS1zdG9yYWdlL2RpdmVpbWFnZS9DYW1fSGVhZHNob3RfMjAyNC5qcGVn.webp\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"inside_story_caption\">\n<p>Cam Mackey<\/p>\n<p>Permission granted by ISEA<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Likewise, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/opub\/btn\/volume-9\/nearly-50-years-of-occupational-safety-and-health-data.htm#:~:text=Improving%20the%20national%20statistics,(See%20chart%201.)\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>serious injuries requiring time off plummeted<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span> from 10.9 cases per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 workers today, the BLS reported. These gains didn\u2019t happen by accident \u2014 they\u2019re the result of deliberate safety rules, oversight and outreach led by OSHA.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>But there\u2019s still work to be done. In 2023, more than 4,500 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/injuryfacts.nsc.org\/work\/work-overview\/work-safety-introduction\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>preventable work-related deaths <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span>occurred, including 1,029 in construction, according to the National Safety Council.\u00a0 That\u2019s an average of over 12 each day across all industries.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>More than 4 million workers experienced injuries requiring medical attention. These incidents take an enormous toll, not only on families but on the economy, as well.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The National Safety Council estimates that <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/injuryfacts.nsc.org\/work\/costs\/work-injury-costs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>work-related injuries in 2022 cost<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span> the U.S. economy $167 billion. The cost per workplace death? $1.39 million. And each injury requires medical consultation \u2014 around $40,000.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>In other words, strong investments in safety aren\u2019t just the right thing to do \u2014 they\u2019re fiscally responsible.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Opponents of OSHA often claim that its regulations hinder business growth. In reality, OSHA works hand in hand with employers to foster safer, more productive workplaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>These programs show OSHA isn\u2019t just an enforcer \u2014 it\u2019s a resource for businesses aiming to protect their workers and improve operations. And there\u2019s data to back this up.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>OSHA <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/businesscase#:~:text=The%20study%20showed%20a%209.4,similar%20set%20of%20uninspected%20workplaces.\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>inspections decrease workplace injuries<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span> by 9.4%, according to an agency study, and shrink worker compensation costs 26% (an average of $355,000 per job site). Annually, OSHA inspections save American workplaces over $20 billion in reduced worker compensation costs alone.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"standard-heading\"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Why NIOSH matters<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>In addition to enforcement and education, research and innovation are critical pillars of workplace safety. That\u2019s why the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health plays such a vital role. NIOSH not only conducts cutting-edge research on occupational hazards but also runs the Respirator Approval Program \u2014 ensuring that the protective gear workers rely on, from N95s to mining respirators, actually works in the field.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>But this essential work is now in serious jeopardy.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>In March, the <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/press-room\/hhs-restructuring-doge.html\" target=\"_blank\"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Department of Health and Human Services<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span><span><span><span><span><span> announced devastating cuts to NIOSH that will eliminate approximately 875 positions \u2014 about two-thirds of the agency\u2019s workforce. Among those facing termination are nearly 200 employees who make up the backbone of critical programs, including the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, the only federal lab responsible for testing and certifying respiratory protection.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>These cuts don\u2019t just threaten jobs \u2014 they threaten lives. With this level of workforce reduction, the Respirator Approval Program will grind to a halt. That means new PPE may go uncertified and untested, potentially opening the market to counterfeit or substandard equipment. And without NIOSH\u2019s research and oversight, the development of next-generation protective gear \u2014 more innovative, and possibly more comfortable \u2014 will stall.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<section class=\"storylines-carousel-wrapper hide-small show-large\" id=\"desktop-carousel\"\/>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>At a time when we should be reinforcing safety infrastructure, these cuts dismantle a system that has quietly but powerfully protected millions for decades. NIOSH\u2019s mission is not expendable. It is foundational to worker health, economic resilience, and public trust.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>ISEA is calling on Congress to increase OSHA\u2019s budget to $655 million and to fully restore NIOSH\u2019s personnel and boost its budget to $370 million. This is a reasonable and necessary step to safeguard the nation\u2019s workforce, train employers, and advance workplace safety across all sectors.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"standard-heading\"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Safety shouldn\u2019t be up for debate<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The safety of American workers should never be a political football. The men and women building our infrastructure, running our factories, delivering our goods and staffing our hospitals deserve better. They deserve to work in environments where their well-being isn\u2019t compromised for the sake of budget cuts or profit margins.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>We must reject efforts to weaken OSHA or undermine its mission. The stakes are too high. Now is the time to stand up for worker safety \u2014 not scale it back.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructiondive.com\/news\/protecting-osha-protects-workers-budget\/744518\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">This article was originally posted at Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Listen to the article 7 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. Cam &#8230; <a title=\"Protecting OSHA protects workers. Slashing its budget is a dangerous mistake.\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/protecting-osha-protects-workers-slashing-its-budget-is-a-dangerous-mistake\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Protecting OSHA protects workers. Slashing its budget is a dangerous mistake.\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[457],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-construction-dive","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29831"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29831\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}