Washington — Legislation lately launched by House Democrats would enhance fines for office security and little one labor violations.
Under the Labor Enforcement to Securely (LET’s) Protect Workers Act (H.R. 9137), sponsored by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), OSHA fines would enhance to a most of $80,000 for severe violations. The present most high-quality for such violations is $7,000.
For willful or repeat violations, the utmost penalty would enhance to $800,000 from $70,000, and the minimal willful penalty would enhance to $60,000 from $5,000.
In addition, the laws would allow using financial penalties collected for mine security violations to assist fund black lung advantages. It additionally would offer “the option to shut down scofflaw operators,” in keeping with a July 26 press launch.
Other provisions would:
- Close a loophole that enables employers to flee penalties for failing to maintain information of office accidents if OSHA doesn’t detect the violation inside six months.
- Provide new penalties for retaliation towards employees who train their household and medical depart rights.
- Enhance enforcement of psychological well being parity necessities for employer-sponsored well being plans.
The bill would additionally enhance financial penalties for violations of minimal wage and additional time guidelines and farmworker safety requirements.
“Every American should be fairly compensated and be able to return home safely at the end of the day,” Scott, rating member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, stated within the launch. “Unfortunately, shortcomings in our labor laws enable unethical employers to exploit workers, endanger children and suppress the right to organize – with little accountability.”
The bill has been referred to a few House committees: Education and the Workforce, Oversight and Accountability, and House Administration.
