Department of Labor Releases Quotes from Written Testimony from Postponed OSHA Hearing
(May 27, 2020) - OSHA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt was scheduled and prepared to testify at the House of Representatives Education and Labor Committee hearing May 20 but the meeting was postponed. Had the hearing been held as planned, Sweatt would have informed the committee of the following facts, which are included in her submitted written testimony:
“OSHA’s efforts to address COVID-19 have been its top priority since February…OSHA quickly pivoted to focus intensely on giving employers and workers the guidance they need to work safely in this rapidly changing situation; where appropriate, OSHA has also enforced safety and health requirements. While extensive guidance is important as the rapidly changing dynamic of this pandemic continues, it is important to recognize OSHA also has existing standards that serve as the basis for its COVID-19 enforcement. Those standards include rules regarding respiratory protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), eye and face protection, sanitation, and hazard communication. OSHA is also an active participant in ten federal task forces focused on the COVID-19 response and as always, continues its collaborations with its federal partners to share information and develop tools to meet the challenges of fighting this disease and protecting workers.”
“The work of the agency continues uninterrupted even as we respond to this pandemic. Since February 1, 2020, and through May 14, 2020, OSHA has received 5,500 non-COVID-19 complaints and conducted 4,575 investigations based on these complaints. During this time, OSHA has received 2,290 non-COVID-19 whistleblower complaints, which are being evaluated along with the COVID-19 whistleblower complaints.”
“During Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections—more inspections than in each of the previous three fiscal years. OSHA also provided a record 1,392,611 workers with training on safety and health requirements in FY 2019.”
A full, updated testimony transcript will be available when the hearing is rescheduled.
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