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Article

24 Apr 2007

Author:
Stephen Labaton with Ron Nixon, New York Times

OSHA Leaves Worker Safety in Hands of Industry [USA]

Scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which investigates the causes of workplace health problems, moved quickly to examine patients [workers at Gilster-Mary Lee popcorn factory who had contracted lung disease], inspect factories and run tests. Within months, they concluded that the workers became ill after exposure to diacetyl, a food-flavoring agent. But the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, charged with overseeing workplace safety, reacted with far less urgency... Since George W. Bush became president, OSHA has issued the fewest significant standards in its history, public health experts say... The agency has killed dozens of existing and proposed regulations and delayed adopting others... Agency officials defend their performance, saying that workplace deaths and injuries have declined during their tenure... Instead of regulations, ...top officials...favor a “voluntary compliance strategy,” reaching agreements with industry associations and companies to police themselves... Critics say the voluntary programs tend to have little focus on specific hazards and no enforcement power. Because only companies with strong safety records are eligible, they argue, the programs do not force less-conscientious businesses to improve their workplaces. [also refers to ConAgra, BASF, Bush Boake Allen (part of International Flavors & Fragrances)]