In a conversation with John Rush on “Rush to Reason,” NFIB State Director Michael Smith warned against HB 1054, which would create a new, state-level workplace safety regulatory regime.

“This is a bill that really just brings more government into the regulation and enforcement of workplace safety,” Smith said. “Other states just do their own enforcement of workplace safety regulations at the state level, but this bill would maintain the federal OSHA system, and then also bring in a layer at the state level to make regulations in certain instances.”

“There’s a real thirst for more government in Colorado, unfortunately,” Smith continued. “Colorado has become the sixth most regulated state, according to a recent study. When you’re number six, that puts you in the company of states like California, New York, and Illinois. That’s not how we need to be.”

While worker safety is a priority for every responsible employer, HB 1054 goes beyond existing federal requirements by creating a new enforcement system at the state level. This means more rules, more paperwork, and potentially more inspections, penalties, and unnecessary liability for small businesses.

Take action today and tell your legislator to oppose HB 1054.