The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a regulatory agency within the United States Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Throughout his time in office, the former president expressed views suggesting a desire to reduce the agency’s influence and scope, stemming from a broader philosophy regarding deregulation.
Arguments for reducing OSHA’s influence typically center on the belief that its regulations impose unnecessary burdens on businesses, hindering economic growth. Proponents of deregulation often argue that businesses are capable of self-regulation or that market forces will naturally incentivize workplace safety. Historical context reveals a recurring debate between proponents of strong government oversight to protect workers and those advocating for a less interventionist approach to business regulation.