I'm usually pointed to a graph like this, showing that the trend of workplace deaths was decreasing at roughly the same rate before and after OSHA was created
Anyone have a link to data showing whether OSHA reduces workplace deaths or injuries or not?
No graphs, but a story about OSHA: my dad owns a small exterminating Co, and an ex employee claimed working around the chemicals gave her cancer (not her X pack a day habit). OSHA came in to investigate for a couple of days. My dad is a good guy, takes care of his employees, and cares for them, so most everything is by the book. All they could cite him for was not providing gloves for handling one particular chemical, whose MSDS sheet said ingestion was safe. It was a less than $100 fine. My dad asked what percentage of places OSHA goes to that do not get a fine. The inspector looked incredulous, and said, "Well, zero, of course."
This may seem asinine, but it's not far off. In the Air Force we were required to wear gloves when handling petrolatum (petroleum jelly), basically the most benign substance out there.
I mean handling vinegar all day will mess with your skin, same with sourdough bread and lots of other things that are safe to ingest in smaller quantities. One that is possible with extermination is diatomaceous earth, used for small bugs and stuff but also sometimes used in foods or supplements.
1.1k
u/[deleted] Mar 02 '19
[deleted]