High Country Times

Workforce Protections Subcommittee Chairman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) delivered remarks today at a hearing titled "Safeguarding Workers and Employers from OSHA Overreach and Skewed Priorities." In his prepared statement, Kiley criticized the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for pursuing a regulatory agenda he claims conflicts with the interests of small businesses, workers, and the American economy.

"During the current administration, OSHA quickly established a reputation for pushing a regulatory agenda that is at odds with the interests of small businesses, workers, and the overall health of the American economy," Kiley stated. He referenced OSHA's proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandate as an example of overreach, noting that it faced strong opposition from the Supreme Court. "The purpose of today’s hearing is to encourage a more thoughtful and balanced approach to rulemaking."

Kiley pointed out specific regulations he views as problematic. He criticized the walkaround rule allowing third parties to join OSHA inspectors during workplace safety inspections and expressed concerns about an emergency response standard that imposes administrative burdens on firefighters and EMS workers. "Workplace safety inspections should never become a pretext for some other agenda—regardless of whether you support or oppose that agenda," he said.

Despite these criticisms, Kiley argued that OSHA has neglected necessary rulemaking in certain areas. He cited the tree care industry as an example where regulation is lacking despite significant hazards. "OSHA must act to protect tree care workers and provide regulatory consistency," he emphasized.

Kiley also addressed Julie Su's tenure as Acting Secretary of Labor, highlighting her unconfirmed status for 499 days. "Americans deserve a confirmed Secretary, not one who the United States Senate has rejected on a bipartisan basis," he remarked.

In closing, Kiley called for OSHA to consider feedback from workers and employers when crafting regulations to ensure they are practical. "Overburdensome regulations hurt the workers they’re meant to protect," he concluded.

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