The workplace inspection rule will hinder safety and small business operations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized a “walkaround” rule that enables a union representative to accompany OSHA inspectors during worksite investigations, even if the businesses are non-unionized. This poses a threat to small business as it raises concerns that the walkaround rights will facilitate union organizing.
“This rule is not about worker safety; it is about facilitating the intimidation of small business owners by allowing unions to initiate and participate in inspections of workplaces they wish to infiltrate,” said Beth Milito, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center. “By allowing union representatives to participate in federal inspections of non-union workplaces, OSHA is disregarding the standards outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act and longstanding agency guidance and interpretations to suit the agenda of union leaders at the expense of small businesses.”
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation’s courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.
