Md. Labor Secretary: MOSHis much improved

Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) recently came under fire for “lackluster performance” in an op-ed by Katherine Tracy of the Center for Progressive Reform, which cited 2016 data (“Md. must prioritize worker health and safety,” April 25). Many of the conclusions drawn from that data are misleading, and much has changed since 2016.

For example, the author cites unmet inspection goals, which are often the result of inadequate staffing. MOSH has increased staffing by 62 percent since then, and inspections have increased by 88 percent.

Critics claim that MOSH should increase fines. However we have seen no correlation between fines and increased workplace safety. In fact, despite higher fines from OSHA and in other states, worker deaths increased nationwide in 2016. Fines are not a deterrent. More often, it isn’t the fine that punishes an employer; it is the violation that goes on record and adversely impacts the employer through higher insurance rates, prevention from bidding certain work and lost revenue.

While MOSH did not meet the statutory deadline for the completion of whistleblower investigations in many cases, Maryland’s average time for completing whistleblower investigations is very favorable compared to other states: 145 days, compared to 305 days elsewhere.

When it comes to worker safety, one injury on the job is one too many. MOSHknowsthat education plays a critical role in keeping workers safe. That’s why MOSH offers free onsite, confidential occupational safety and health services to Maryland businesses. MOSH works with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. This way, hazards are mitigated before accidents happen, before investigations are conducted and before violations are issued.