OSHA Inspector Numbers Increase for First Time in Trump’s Term

For the first time in President Donald Trump‘s term in office, the number of OSHA inspectors increased from the previous year’s staffing level, according to newly released agency data.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ended fiscal year 2020 on Sept. 30 with 790 compliance and safety officers, numbers Bloomberg Law obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show.

That total is 38 more inspectors than OSHA closed fiscal 2019 with, but still 70 fewer than the agency had in fiscal 2014, before lower budgets forced cutbacks. The 752 inspectors for 2019 was the lowest number ever for ...