Federal workplace safety law would expand coverage and sharply raise penalties

What does this do?

HR 3036 updates the 1970 law that created OSHA by expanding who the agency covers, increasing employer reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and strengthening worker rights during investigations. The bill raises civil penalties significantly and increases criminal penalties for employers whose knowing violations cause a worker's death from a maximum of 6 months to 10 years in prison. A new criminal penalty is also created for knowing violations that cause serious injury but not death.

Who does it affect?

State and local government workers gain federal OSHA protections for the first time under this bill. Workers who report unsafe conditions or are injured on the job receive stronger anti-retaliation protections, and employers across all covered sectors face new compliance obligations.

Why does it matter?

Employers who break safety rules would face substantially higher financial and criminal exposure, which could alter how companies respond to known hazards. Workers would have more time and clearer procedures to file retaliation complaints, and state workplace safety programs would face regular federal review against the federal standard.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Willful violation max: $70K → $700K
• Penalties adjust annually for inflation
• New fines for serious-injury violations