OSHA News

OSHA Inspections Linked to 'Labor Unrest'

Companies experiencing "labor unrest" are about 6.5 times more likely to be inspected by OSHA than those without such problems, according to a government study. Labor unrest was defined broadly to include strikes, other work stoppages, allegations of unfair labor practices, union-organizing activities, and efforts to remove existing unions.

Congress' General Accounting Office said 8.6 percent of establishments with labor unrest had received inspections between 1994 and 1998, while only 1.3 percent of establishments without such problems had inspections.

In its response to the report, OSHA said it is required to respond to complaints, fatalities and catastrophes - whether or not there is labor unrest. The agency said the employer's size and industry, not labor unrest, are the most powerful determinants of the likelihood of inspection.