Watchdog Warns DOL That Pandemic Safety is Serious Challenge (1)

The U.S. Labor Department faces serious challenges in protecting workers from on-the-job infection, despite efforts it has taken to tailor its enforcement to the realities of the pandemic-driven workplace safety crisis, according to a new watchdog report.

“Because of the pandemic, there has been an increase of complaints but a reduction in inspections, with most inspections not conducted on-site,” DOL’s Office of Inspector General said in a report, released Monday, that was critical of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “OSHA needs to ensure it is providing the level of protection that workers need at various job sites.”

OSHA’s ...