Michaels testifies on OSHA 2012 budget

Washington – Days after Congress passed a budget for the current fiscal year that maintains OSHA funding at present levels, agency administrator David Michaels was on Capitol Hill defending OSHA’s request for a budget increase in FY 2012.

The FY 2011 budget provides OSHA with $558.6 million, the same amount it had in 2010. The Obama administration wants to boost the agency’s 2012 budget (.pdf file) to $583.4 million.

Testifying before a House Appropriations subcommittee on April 14, Michaels said the requested budget was necessary to expand enforcement efforts, develop and update “commonsense standards,” increase compliance assistance programs, and improve the agency’s whistleblower protection program.

Although the request comes during a time when Congress is trying to rein in government spending, Michaels said increased funding for OSHA is necessary to “ensure that all employers provide safe workplaces to their employees.”