Per a U.S. Department of Labor memo entitled “Plan for the Continuation of Limited Activities During a Lapse in Appropriations,” many employees of OSHA and MSHA are currently furloughed.
At the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), of the agency’s 1,590 employees, only 879 will not be furloughed. Of those 879 employees, 674 will be performing regular inspections. MSHA activities that will be suspended include training and education programs, Part 100 conferences, and compliance assistance programs.
At the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 460 of the agency’s 1,664 employees will continue working. These OSHA employees are authorized to continue functions related to emergencies, including matters involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. They are also able to review whistleblower complaints. Tasks that are suspended include compliance assistance, training, and technical assistance.
Please reach out to the Husch Blackwell Workplace Safety & Health team with any questions.