Manitowoc County’s representative in Washington is looking to cut “red tape” at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
While speaking during the meeting of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, Sixth District Congressman Glenn Grothman says that the Biden Administration relied on “outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that don’t reflect today’s workforce or the realities on the ground.”
He went on to note, “It also considers critical distinctions in worksite conditions. How does OSHA justify imposing identical obligations on such a broad and diverse range of workplaces?”
The question he asked was directed toward Felicia Watson, a Senior Counsel at the law firm Littler Mendelson.
She says that the process is supposed to protect workers because jobs sites can change daily, especially at places like construction sites.
“And so that constant changing is not helpful,” she told the subcommittee. “I think that that concern among stakeholders that I’ve spoken with is that if you treat everyone exactly the same with limited flexibility, it makes it difficult to get a real best plan that is specific to the industry.”
Grothman also asked Watson about the Walk Around Rule, meaning a third-party could walk around with someone from OSHA if they inspect a business.
Watson says OSHA will not get involved in the issue and leave it to the state courts.
The Glenbeulah Republican says his congressional district is the largest manufacturing district in the nation and they deserve to operate in a safe environment without being smothered by top-down mandates from Washington.
