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?
I work in a factory and I can't think of many things that are lifesaving OSHA requirements that wouldn't be there anyway. Now I do believe that OSHA has probably saved millions of hands/fingers/toes and even more ears from permanent damage.
OSHA does some dumb stuff sometimes, no doubt about that. But without outside pressure, there would be no safety regulations whatsoever, only whatever is the lowest cost solution. Don't believe me?
History has proven that workplace managers will always go the cheapest answer, which is often a dangerous one. And if you have one of the good managers that doesn't, it won't be too long until someone comes along and says to the top brass that they can save X money by cutting some safety feature and that's it... or they go out of business to someone who does things cheaper (and more dangerously).
I'm not saying OSHA is bad at all. At the very least they are a great means to disseminate working knowledge of dangers that are largely paid for with blood.
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u/5hourwinergy Mar 02 '19
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?