Connecticut Safety Advocates Push for Federal Funding

Connecticut safety advocates are calling for federal lawmakers to increase funding for workplace safety in the next fiscal year. 

The executive director of the Connecticut Council on Occupational Safety and Health cosigned a letter to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro asking for more money to be allocated to federal safety agencies, including OSHA and NIOSH.

COSH leaders pointed to data outlining low agency staffing, preventable workplace deaths, and the COVID-19 pandemic in their argument. 

“Chronic underfunding for workplace safety means a lack of enforcement with not enough safety inspectors, not enough safety inspections and preventable risks for American workers,” the letter stated.

DeLauro chairs the House Appropriations Committee and subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. 

The subcommittee recently recommended a $100 million increase in OSHA funding.