Trump-era deregulation cuts OSHA enforcement powers on workplace hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) updated its guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to scale back penalties small businesses may receive due to policy violations and limiting the agency’s use of its general duty clause. The move is another example of the Trump administration’s deregulation plan. 

OSHA’s Field Operations Manual was updated Monday by the DOL to expand the number of businesses considered a “small business” and reduce the penalties they may face for workplace safety violations, according to a press release from the department. The DOL says this is meant to make enforcement fairer for small businesses that lack the resources of larger companies.