News
February 4, 2025

Arizona Rep. Moves to Abolish OSHA, Sparking Safety Concerns

Caroline Raffetto

Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-5) has introduced a new bill aimed at dismantling the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency responsible for ensuring workplace safety for over 50 years.

On January 3, 2025, Biggs introduced H.R.86, the "NOSHA Act," a short 67-word piece of legislation that would eliminate OSHA entirely. Established in 1970 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA’s mission has been to "assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance," according to its website.

OSHA to expand rule for non-employee ...

As part of his media release, Biggs stated, "OSHA’s existence is yet another example of the federal government creating agencies to address issues that are more appropriately handled by state governments and private employers."

However, the bill does not include provisions requiring states to implement their own workplace safety standards, leaving a potential gap in worker protections. OSHA currently plays a critical role in safeguarding employees from hazardous working conditions, overseeing whistleblower protections, and enforcing safety regulations in industries like construction and manufacturing.

Impact on Workers and Industries

Workers across the country, particularly in construction and road-building, could face heightened risks if the federal protections OSHA provides are removed. Many employees in these industries frequently cross state lines for work, raising concerns about inconsistent safety standards from one jobsite to another.

"You put your life on the line every day at work, and now we’re talking about stripping away the one agency that holds companies accountable? That’s not just a policy change—it’s a threat to workers' safety," said an industry advocate.

Since OSHA’s establishment, workplace fatalities have decreased by nearly 63%, and workplace injuries have dropped by 40%. Without federal oversight, experts warn that these hard-fought safety improvements could be reversed.

Ties to Elon Musk and Corporate Interests

Biggs' move aligns with broader shifts under the new administration, which has strengthened ties with billionaire Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO has long had a contentious relationship with OSHA due to multiple workplace safety violations at his facilities.

In August 2024, a Tesla Gigafactory worker in Austin, TX, died on the job, prompting an OSHA investigation. Additionally, in previous years, Tesla has been cited multiple times for failing to provide adequate safety gear and training.

OSHA Worker Rights and Protections ...

A 2018 report revealed that Tesla had three times as many OSHA violations as the 10 largest U.S. auto plants combined. Given Musk’s growing influence in federal policy, critics argue that eliminating OSHA could directly benefit large corporations at the expense of worker protections.

For those concerned about the proposed abolition of OSHA, contacting local representatives is one way to voice opposition. Congressman Andy Biggs’ office can be reached directly at (202) 225-2635

News
February 4, 2025

Arizona Rep. Moves to Abolish OSHA, Sparking Safety Concerns

Caroline Raffetto
Safety
Arizona

Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ-5) has introduced a new bill aimed at dismantling the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency responsible for ensuring workplace safety for over 50 years.

On January 3, 2025, Biggs introduced H.R.86, the "NOSHA Act," a short 67-word piece of legislation that would eliminate OSHA entirely. Established in 1970 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA’s mission has been to "assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance," according to its website.

OSHA to expand rule for non-employee ...

As part of his media release, Biggs stated, "OSHA’s existence is yet another example of the federal government creating agencies to address issues that are more appropriately handled by state governments and private employers."

However, the bill does not include provisions requiring states to implement their own workplace safety standards, leaving a potential gap in worker protections. OSHA currently plays a critical role in safeguarding employees from hazardous working conditions, overseeing whistleblower protections, and enforcing safety regulations in industries like construction and manufacturing.

Impact on Workers and Industries

Workers across the country, particularly in construction and road-building, could face heightened risks if the federal protections OSHA provides are removed. Many employees in these industries frequently cross state lines for work, raising concerns about inconsistent safety standards from one jobsite to another.

"You put your life on the line every day at work, and now we’re talking about stripping away the one agency that holds companies accountable? That’s not just a policy change—it’s a threat to workers' safety," said an industry advocate.

Since OSHA’s establishment, workplace fatalities have decreased by nearly 63%, and workplace injuries have dropped by 40%. Without federal oversight, experts warn that these hard-fought safety improvements could be reversed.

Ties to Elon Musk and Corporate Interests

Biggs' move aligns with broader shifts under the new administration, which has strengthened ties with billionaire Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO has long had a contentious relationship with OSHA due to multiple workplace safety violations at his facilities.

In August 2024, a Tesla Gigafactory worker in Austin, TX, died on the job, prompting an OSHA investigation. Additionally, in previous years, Tesla has been cited multiple times for failing to provide adequate safety gear and training.

OSHA Worker Rights and Protections ...

A 2018 report revealed that Tesla had three times as many OSHA violations as the 10 largest U.S. auto plants combined. Given Musk’s growing influence in federal policy, critics argue that eliminating OSHA could directly benefit large corporations at the expense of worker protections.

For those concerned about the proposed abolition of OSHA, contacting local representatives is one way to voice opposition. Congressman Andy Biggs’ office can be reached directly at (202) 225-2635