NFIB joins U.S. Chamber, Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Independent Electrical Contractors, and Restaurant Law Center arguing against additional regulations
Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2020) – NFIB filed an amicus brief today in support of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s current safety hazards, arguing against the need for an additional emergency standard issued from the Department of Labor. The brief was filed in response to the AFL-CIO’s petition for the Department of Labor to issue additional workplace standards.
“Small businesses are working hard to follow government guidelines and take the necessary precautions to reopen and provide a safe environment for their employees and customers,” said Karen Harned, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center. “OSHA’s existing safety standards already provide reasonable guidance for small businesses. The last thing small business owners need as they are trying to reopen their businesses during this critical time is additional one-size-fits-all, static government regulations and red tape.”
The brief argues: “The Secretary’s approach is working—and no more standards are needed. To the contrary, a mandatory one-size-fits-all standard such as the one sought by the AFL-CIO could harm workers. It could quickly become outdated and constrain employers from pursuing the adaptable, innovative, data-driven, and effective approach to protecting worker health and safety that is proving crucial during this pandemic. “
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation’s court. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.
