Workplace Safety Inspections are Suspended

Because of the federal government shutdown, the workplace safety investigation services have been suspended from October 1, 2013. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) furloughed more than 90% of its staff in accordance with OSHA’s Shutdown Contingency Plan approved by the Department of Labor on September 16. According to the plan, OSHA would be suspending 90% of its services and would be attending to only on complaints related to life threatening work conditions. Out of the 2,235 OSHA Staff, only 230 OSHA personnel are currently on duty.

The agency has been maintaining skeletal staff strength at their national headquarters and in each of their 10 regional offices. Apart from the inspection related services, some of the other services that have been suspended include outreach and consultation services. The research activities that are being carried out at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have been suspended. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard investigation Board are operating with only 3 of its 40 employees on board. The Mine Safety and Health Administration board has kept 768 workers on board for carrying out the inspection of mines that have been placed in the risk category, often resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.

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