States Join Forces to Oppose Federal Rollback of Worker Safety Protections
Pennsylvania is leading a multi-state coalition urging OSHA to withdraw a proposed rule that would limit enforcement authority and weaken long-standing workplace safety standards.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Nov 05, 2025
Pennsylvania is leading a coalition of states opposing a proposed federal rule that would limit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s authority to hold employers accountable for known workplace hazards.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, in partnership with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, announced the effort to challenge the proposed change, which would narrow OSHA’s ability to enforce the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The clause requires employers to maintain workplaces free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm.
According to state officials, the proposal would exempt certain “inherently risky” industries — such as live entertainment, motorsports, and animal training — from full OSHA enforcement. Labor leaders and safety advocates argue that such exemptions could erode decades of progress in protecting workers from preventable injuries and fatalities.
“Every worker deserves a safe workplace — no exceptions,” said Nancy A. Walker, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. “This federal proposal would weaken a core protection that has stood for more than 50 years, putting workers at greater risk of serious injury or death.”
The coalition includes states such as California, New York, Oregon, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota, among others. The group has formally urged OSHA to withdraw the proposed rule, citing potential long-term risks to worker safety and enforcement consistency across states.
Pennsylvania officials said the effort reflects Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to maintaining strong labor protections and ensuring federal safety standards continue to safeguard workers in all industries.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.