The Public Service Worker Protection Act aims to extend the protections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to public employees across all levels of government. It achieves this by amending the definition of "employer" in OSHA to explicitly include the United States, any State, and any political subdivision of a State, thereby bringing federal, state, and local government workers under OSHA's jurisdiction. This legislation clarifies that it does not alter the existing provisions for State plans under OSHA, meaning states with approved plans will continue to operate them. The Act is set to take effect 90 days after its enactment for most entities. However, for States or their political subdivisions that do not have an approved OSHA State plan, the effective date is extended to 36 months after enactment, allowing a longer period for compliance and adaptation.
The Public Service Worker Protection Act aims to extend the protections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) to public employees across all levels of government. It achieves this by amending the definition of "employer" in OSHA to explicitly include the United States, any State, and any political subdivision of a State, thereby bringing federal, state, and local government workers under OSHA's jurisdiction. This legislation clarifies that it does not alter the existing provisions for State plans under OSHA, meaning states with approved plans will continue to operate them. The Act is set to take effect 90 days after its enactment for most entities. However, for States or their political subdivisions that do not have an approved OSHA State plan, the effective date is extended to 36 months after enactment, allowing a longer period for compliance and adaptation.