Today, the KY Senate plans to hold a vote on HB 475, a bill that prohibits the Secretary of Labor and the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission from enforcing “any occupational safety and health administrative regulation that is more stringent than the corresponding federal provision.” The Kentucky State AFL-CIO strongly opposes this dangerous attack on workplace safety. Kentucky Workers shouldn't have to wait for Washington to enact new, important safety standards, as the need arises.
HB 475 is a solution in search of a problem since 97.2% of Kentucky’s OSH regulations are already identical to Federal OSH standards. In the few instances where Kentucky’s OSH program differs from the federal standard, it is to provide extra protection for Kentucky’s workers. For example, one Kentucky-specific regulation protects workers charging automotive batteries by requiring facilities for flushing battery acid from eyes and skin.Call 844.641.3862 and your State Senator and leave a message telling them to "Protect KY workers, vote NO on HB 475."
And if you want to tune in to watch the Senate this morning/afternoon, you can watch live at ket.org/legislature.