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Public Service Worker Protection Act Introduced to Extend OSHA Protections Nationwide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) has introduced the Public Service Worker Protection Act, a legislation that aims to extend federal health and safety protections to public sector workers nationwide. The bill is cosponsored by leading Democrats, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) have introduced companion legislation in the House.

The Public Service Worker Protection Act would amend the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 to extend worker health and safety protections to public sector workers who are currently excluded. This exclusion affects nearly half of states and territories, where public sector workers do not receive comparable health and safety protections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Service Worker Protection Act aims to extend OSHA protections to nearly 8 million public service workers nationwide.
  • Public sector workers are excluded from OSHA coverage in 23 states, including EMS responders, road crews, and corrections officers.
  • Public service workers report injuries at a rate 81% higher than those in the private sector.
  • The legislation is cosponsored by leading Democrats, including Senator Schumer, Senators Sanders, Luján, Warren, Wyden, Van Hollen, Padilla, Blumenthal, Baldwin, and Schiff.
  • Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) have introduced companion legislation in the House.
  • The bill is endorsed by prominent labor unions, including the American Federation of State County and Municipal workers (AFSCME), American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Communications Workers of America (CWA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and United Steelworkers (USW).
  • Public sector workers who are not covered by a state OSHA plan have a significantly higher risk of injury and occupation-related health problems.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 8 million public service workers are excluded from OSHA protections nationwide.
  • Public sector workers are at a higher risk of injury, with a 81% increase in reported injuries compared to private sector workers.
  • In 23 states, public sector workers are not covered by a state OSHA plan, including thousands of USW members who serve as crossing guards, probationary officers, city workers, and more.
  • AFSCME has over 1.4 million members in the public sector.

Sources:

  • United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey Bill Text (PDF)
  • American Federation of State County and Municipal employees (AFSCME)
  • American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
  • Communications Workers of America (CWA)
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • United Steelworkers (USW)
  • Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health (MassCOSH)

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