A bill introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs that aims to eliminate the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is unlikely to gain traction, according to legal experts. The legislation, which has stirred discussion in regulatory and construction circles, is not expected to move forward, employment attorney Russell told Construction Dive.

“I think that’s got zero chance of that thing ever seeing the light of day,” Russell said. “I believe the agency serves an important role, but it just needs to be more focused, it needs to stay within its statutory authority, and it needs to be effective.”

Uncertainty Over Trump’s Position

When asked whether former President Donald Trump would support the bill, Russell admitted uncertainty. “I really don’t know. There have been so many surprises,” he said. Even if Trump backed the legislation, Russell noted that Senate Republicans would have to eliminate the filibuster to pass it, which he sees as unlikely.

Rule Changes Affecting OSHA

While the bill itself is unlikely to pass, the Trump administration has implemented other measures that could impact OSHA’s operations. These include a temporary freeze on rulemaking and efforts to reduce the workforce in various federal agencies.

On Jan. 20, Trump issued a memorandum instructing executive agencies to halt the issuance of new rules until a presidentially appointed department head could review and approve them. Additionally, regulations submitted to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published were immediately withdrawn, according to a Feb. 4 blog post from Ogletree Deakins.

One notable impact of these actions is the suspension of OSHA’s heat injury and illness standard. “The pause to the heat illness rule is no surprise,” Russell told Construction Dive. Since OSHA’s public comment period on the rule closed on Dec. 30, the review process could take months, making it unlikely that the rule will advance under the Trump administration.

On Jan. 31, Trump issued an executive order requiring agencies to identify 10 regulations for repeal each time they propose a new one. Russell suggested this would further delay or permanently block the heat illness standard. “I don’t think you’re going to feel so strongly about that particular heat illness standard, especially in the light of those public comments opposing it,” he said.

Federal Workforce Reductions and OSHA

Another key policy shift involves federal workforce reductions. Trump’s administration has attempted to decrease agency staff by offering voluntary buyouts, allowing federal employees to resign in exchange for paid leave through September. A federal judge in Boston temporarily halted the buyout process, but the effort signals Trump’s broader goal of reducing government headcount.

In a separate move, Trump has mandated that federal employees return to their offices, rolling back remote work policies established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Russell believes these changes could have mixed effects on OSHA. “I think that could substantially help the development of some of the newer compliance officers,” he said. “Maybe the efforts to make the agency more lean will make it more focused.”

Future of OSHA Leadership

The Trump administration has yet to name a new head for OSHA, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, is still awaiting confirmation. Russell doubts that any new leadership at OSHA would prioritize repealing 10 regulations just to implement the heat standard.

As the administration continues to shape labor policies, OSHA’s future direction remains uncertain. Industry stakeholders and legal experts will be closely watching how these changes unfold.

For construction owners, the uncertainty surrounding OSHA’s future policies means they must stay vigilant about workplace safety while navigating potential regulatory changes. While the bill to abolish OSHA is unlikely to pass, shifts in enforcement priorities, workforce reductions, and delayed rulemaking—such as the heat illness standard—could impact compliance requirements. Owners should closely monitor developments, ensuring they maintain best practices for worker safety regardless of potential regulatory rollbacks. Proactively investing in safety programs and leveraging technology to track compliance can help mitigate risks and avoid costly penalties amid the evolving landscape.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.