Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) voices its strong opposition to the newly introduced legislation, the Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act, which seeks to abolish the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This legislation, introduced by Republican Congressman Andy Biggs, would repeal the landmark Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, eliminating vital federal workplace safety regulations. This would not only jeopardize the health and safety of millions of American workers but also threaten progress made in reducing workplace hazards.

“This bill would be a catastrophic step backward for worker safety in this country,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Repealing OSHA would put workers at great risk by dismantling the very protections that have helped reduce workplace injuries and deaths for over 50 years. Without OSHA, many workers will be left vulnerable to unsafe conditions, and it will be the most vulnerable—low-income and minority workers—who will bear the brunt of dangerous rollbacks. Additionally, OSHA plays a crucial role in ensuring children’s safety in the workforce by holding corporations accountable and enforcing laws against dangerous, illegal labor practices. We need to build on the progress made in workplace safety, not dismantle it.”

For over fifty years, OSHA has been instrumental in safeguarding workers from hazardous conditions, significantly reducing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. When OSHA was founded in 1970, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job each year, as compared with 5,283 fatal work injuries recorded in the U.S. in 2023, despite far more workers today. This is a remarkable track record of improving worker safety.

This is a direct result of OSHA’s regulations and oversight, saving countless lives. Mr. Biggs’ legislation threatens to undo these gains and will leave workers, including children, vulnerable to unsafe working conditions.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League is the chair of the Child Labor Coalition.  Founded in 1899, NCL is America’s pioneering consumer organization, dedicated to workers’ safety and the protection of children from labor exploitation. Our mission is to promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.