Abolish OSHA: What happens if Trump cuts OSHA?

 What Would Happen If OSHA Disappeared? A Look at Workplace Safety Without the Agency

Imagine a world without OSHA. Six months ago, most of us wouldn’t have even considered such a possibility. But with political shifts and proposals for cutting federal programs, it’s something worth discussing. What would happen if OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, were suddenly gone? Let’s dive into what this world would look like, and why it might not be as different as we think.

What Is OSHA and Why Does It Matter?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that ensures workplace safety and health standards across the United States. From construction sites to offices, OSHA sets regulations that employers must follow to keep workers safe. It also enforces these standards and provides resources for both employers and employees to prevent accidents and injuries.

But imagine, just for a moment, if this agency were to vanish. What would happen to workplace safety? Would companies stop caring about their employees' health? Would safety standards completely collapse? Let’s explore these questions.

The Big Proposal: Cutting OSHA

Earlier this year, a proposal to eliminate the OSHA Act surfaced, brought forward by Arizona Republican Andy Biggs. The idea was simple: abolish the federal OSHA, claiming it would save the government money and reduce unnecessary spending. While this has not gained significant traction, it does bring up an interesting question — what if it did happen?

While the idea of removing federal regulations seems far-fetched to many, it’s still worth considering the impact such a move might have. Would the absence of OSHA be the end of workplace safety as we know it?

What Would Happen if OSHA Disappeared?

1. State-Level OSHA Programs Would Likely Take Over

Let’s start with one simple fact: safety standards wouldn’t just disappear. While federal OSHA might be removed, many states already have their own OSHA programs, known as state plans. In North Carolina, for example, state-specific regulations go beyond the federal requirements. So, even if the federal OSHA were eliminated, individual states would likely step in, creating their own programs to ensure safety in the workplace.

The absence of federal OSHA would likely shift the responsibility to states, meaning that safety standards would continue but on a more localized level.

2. Worker’s Compensation and Insurance Incentives Would Remain

Even if OSHA were to vanish, we would still have worker's compensation insurance — and this is an essential part of the equation. Insurance companies incentivize employers to maintain safe workplaces by offering lower premiums for businesses with better safety records. If employees get hurt on the job, companies face higher costs in terms of insurance claims and compensation.

This financial incentive would keep employers motivated to prevent workplace accidents, even in the absence of a federal regulatory body. Companies would still want to keep their insurance premiums low, which ultimately means a focus on maintaining safe working conditions.

3. Safety Beyond Compliance: The Growing Demand for Higher Standards

Even without OSHA, many businesses are committed to going beyond the minimum standards. This is known as safety beyond compliance. Companies that want to stay competitive and attract top-tier clients will continue to meet — or exceed — safety requirements. In fact, many suppliers and vendors now require businesses to meet advanced safety standards, such as ISO certification or third-party audits.

In other words, businesses would still be expected to prioritize safety, even if OSHA no longer dictated the rules. Companies will do what it takes to maintain a reputation for safety, especially when working with large organizations that require these higher standards.

Why It’s Unlikely OSHA Would Disappear

Though the proposal to cut OSHA might sound like a significant change, there are several reasons why it’s unlikely to happen:

1. State Programs Would Step In: Even without federal OSHA, states would likely implement their own safety programs, maintaining safety standards and regulations.

2. Insurance and Worker’s Comp Keep Employers Accountable: The financial incentives provided by insurance companies and worker’s compensation would continue to encourage employers to maintain safe environments, regardless of federal OSHA’s presence.

3. Safety Beyond Compliance Is Here to Stay: As mentioned, companies are already embracing safety beyond what is mandated. With or without federal regulations, businesses will continue to prioritize safety to meet the expectations of customers and suppliers.

The Bottom Line: Safety Will Continue, With or Without OSHA

At the end of the day, the world would likely look pretty similar, even if OSHA were abolished. While OSHA plays an important role in setting and enforcing standards, workplace safety would still be a priority for many reasons: state regulations, worker's compensation, and the desire to go beyond compliance.

As safety managers, it’s crucial to focus on keeping our people safe, regardless of what happens at the federal level. We can’t afford to wait for regulations to dictate safety. We must take ownership of it, and ensure that our employees work in environments where accidents are minimized, and health is prioritized.

So, what’s the takeaway? No matter what happens with OSHA, your role in workplace safety is as important as ever. Keep focusing on safety beyond compliance, and your company will not only meet legal requirements — it will thrive by creating a safer and healthier work environment.

Ready to Prepare for an OSHA Audit?

If you're a business owner or safety manager, it's always wise to be prepared for an unexpected OSHA audit. You can start by downloading my free OSHA Audit Checklist at HelpWithOSHA.com. It’s an essential tool to help you ensure your company is ready for any inspection — and to keep your team safe in the process.

Final Thoughts

While the idea of a world without OSHA might sound dramatic, the truth is that workplace safety isn't going anywhere. Whether it’s state regulations, insurance incentives, or a company’s commitment to safety beyond compliance, the culture of workplace safety will continue to evolve. Let’s keep focusing on creating safe and healthy workplaces — because at the end of the day, safety is not just a regulation, it’s the right thing to do.