Biden’s FY 2024 budget looks to increase OSHA enforcement

Washington — The White House is seeking a 17% funding increase for OSHA under the Department of Labor’s fiscal year 2024 budget request.

The Biden administration is requesting approximately $738.7 million for the agency, an increase of more than $106.3 million from FY 2023. The upcoming fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Released March 9, the proposal includes increases of 16.3% for federal enforcement (up roughly $40 million), 30% for federal compliance assistance ($23.3 million), and 26.3% for safety and health standards ($11.1 million).

The administration wants to add 432 full-time equivalent employees, including 250 “to rebuild and strengthen OSHA’s enforcement program.” The 250 new enforcement FTEs would include 142 OSHA inspectors.

A divided Congress, however, will have the final say. A March 9 hearing before the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee with outgoing Labor Secretary Marty Walsh was postponed.

For the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the White House is requesting a 13% budget increase – around $50.2 million more than the $387.8 million the agency received in FY 2023. That includes a 14.6% increase – of $38.3 million – for MSHA’s enforcement efforts.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ budget in brief, the administration is seeking to leave NIOSH’s budget at $363 million.