Keeping America’s Workforce Safe - OSHA Enforcement and Compliance Increases in 2019

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released its final statistics for the fiscal year 2019. These statistics show a significant increase in the number of inspections, as well as a record amount of compliance assistance provided by the agency to employers, in order to ensure a safe and healthful workplace for the employees.

According to a press release by OSHA, in FY19:

• Federal OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections — more inspections than the previous three years – addressing violations related to trenching, falls, chemical exposure, silica, and other hazards.
• OSHA provided a record 1,392,611 workers with training on safety and health requirements through the Agency’s various education programs; including the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Outreach Training Program, and Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.
• OSHA’s no-cost On-Site Consultation Program identified 137,885 workplace hazards and protected 3.2 million workers from potential harm.
• OSHA’s compliance assistance programs have helped small businesses address safety and health hazards in their workplaces.

“OSHA’s efforts – rulemaking, enforcement, compliance assistance, and training – are tools to accomplish our mission of safety and health for every worker,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “I am proud of the diligent, hard work of all OSHA personnel who contributed to a memorable year of protecting our nation’s workers.”

OSHA’s enforcement activities reflect the Agency’s ongoing commitment to worker safety by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education, and assistance.