What Is NOSHA?

Prior to the 1970’s, workplace casualties were a major problem for employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a U.S. government agency under the Department of Labor that sets and enforces workplace safety and health standards. The NOSHA Act was introduced by Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona to the House Committee on January 3, 2025 to repeal the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This has sparked discussion about how OSHA regulations impact each workplace in the U.S. both positively and negatively.

This article aims to provide an unbiased overview of the NOSHA Act, what OSHA’s role is and what effect it could mean for workers and employers. However, at this time, all employers are required to comply with OSHA regulations. Keep up to date on your onsite heavy equipment training, CCO certifications and crane inspections with Total Equipment Training.

The goal of OSHA is to reduce workplace hazards, prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths, and ensure workers have the right to a safe workplace through training, inspections, and enforcement of safety regulations. OSHA conducts inspections, issues regulations and provides resources to ensure compliance with safety protocols that prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities while on and using heavy equipment. 

Ensuring fall protection training, scaffolding safety and heavy machinery inspections keeps construction sites safe, while PPE education, signal person resources, and operator certifications safeguard workers. Businesses that voluntarily follow OSHA safety standards would always benefit from a safer workforce, reduced liability, and improved operational efficiency.

Today, worksites credit OSHA for improving heavy equipment rollover protection safety to OSHA’s ROPS, 29 CFR 1926.1001 that mandates heavy equipment be equipped with roll-over protective structures and seat belts to prevent fatalities. The implementation of ROPS and strict seat belt enforcement has drastically reduced fatalities and serious injuries in construction and industrial operations. Also before OSHA’s strict guidelines defined in 29 CFR 1926.1400 – Cranes & Derricks in Construction standards, electrocution, struck-by incidents and crane failure fatalities on construction sites.

Supporters’ Perspective

Eliminating OSHA would shift workplace safety regulations to state governments and private industry, allowing for more localized and flexible safety standards. Many companies, especially small businesses, find OSHA regulations costly and burdensome and hinder business growth and innovation. Without OSHA, businesses and industries might develop voluntary, market-driven safety programs tailored to specific job risks.

Even without OSHA, companies that wish to remain competitive in the job market should continue to follow the same level of certification requirements as this demonstrates a commitment to safety, enhances employer credibility and is generally required by contractors and clients. OSHA training teaches workers to identify hazards, follow safety protocols, and understand industry best practices to prevent accidents and injuries on the job.

Opponents’ Perspective:

If OSHA were abolished, some speculate workplace safety regulations would become fragmented, leading to inconsistent safety measures across different regions and sectors. Without federal oversight, there could be a rise in workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to the lack of uniform safety regulations. Employers might also face increased legal liability and insurance costs without the standardized guidelines that OSHA provides.