OSHA cuts down on inspections during COVID crisis
Amid the COVID pandemic, OSHA significantly reduced the number of workplace safety inspections it performed – a move that likely contributed to thousands of infections and more than 150 worker deaths, according to a new analysis.
In 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated 12% of the worker complaints it received, according to The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, the agency investigated 32% of cases the prior year.
Less oversight put workers at risk
Right now, it’s particularly important for employees to watch out for their own on-the-job health and welfare because fewer safety inspections are being done. The Wall Street Journal’s investigation into OSHA’s pandemic response revealed serious shortcomings.
In a review of 5 states and federal nursing home statistics, the WSJ found 6,000 workers who had been infected by the coronavirus after filing a complaint with OSHA.
They also found that 180 employees died of COVID-19 within four weeks of a complaint being filed with the agency.
This begs the question: If OSHA had been better at enforcing standards to protect workers from being infected with the virus in the workplace, could any of these illnesses or deaths have been prevented?
Work-related infections
At least 180 people died after a COVID-related workplace complaint was filed. The WSJ article notes the deaths occurred at least four weeks after OSHA agencies received complaints and OSHA’s investigation didn’t go beyond corresponding with employers.
James Frederick, the acting head of OSHA, has since said that the agency is working with the Inspector General’s Office to improve how workers are protected from COVID-19 exposure. He also noted that OSHA has fewer inspectors now than it did in 2020 when there were about 940 of them. Now, OSHA only has about 890.
Protect your health, and your rights
When employers fail to provide their workers with a safe environment, the consequences can be severe. The resulting injuries or illnesses often qualify for a workers’ compensation or wrongful death claim.
The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in OSHA’s ability to protect employees from workplace hazards.
People who are injured or become ill due to their work environments often feel like they have nowhere to turn for help. Filing a complaint against your employer – the source of your income – can seem like too much of a risk.
Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits can also prove to be a tall task, as claims involving COVID-19 are often hard to prove and highly contested.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident or developed a work-related illness, an attorney can explain your legal rights and help you explore your options.
For more than 35 years, the Law Office of Deborah G. Kohl has fought for and protected the rights of injured workers. See what our law firm can do for you and contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our offices are located in Fall River and Foxborough, Massachusetts, as well as Providence, Rhode Island.