OSHA Tackles Worker Safety Complaint Backlog in Shutdown’s Wake

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working to address a backlog of safety and health complaints that weren’t processed during the recent government shutdown, the agency announced Tuesday.

OSHA has also extended the time employers have to respond to citations issued immediately prior to or during the shutdown. Employers whose citations were received between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12 have until Dec. 4 to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, companies have 15 working days from receipt of citations and penalties to take action. Penalties and citations may be ...