Kennedy Calls OSHA’s Injury, Death Data ‘Grossly Distorted’
Data used by federal regulators to show dramatic improvement in worker-injury and fatality rates is “grossly distorted and inaccurate,” Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) charged today.
“I find very serious flaws with the data,” said Kennedy, chairing a Senate oversight hearing on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “The compilation of figures does not represent reality, what is happening in the workplace.”
In opening remarks, OSHA chief John Pendergrass testified that worker injuries have dropped 25% and fatalities 40% since 1974.
“I can’t let that statement pass,” said Kennedy, interrupting Pendergrass’ prepared testimony. “We’ve heard from experts at the National Academy of Sciences and within your own agency disputing those numbers.
“Your entire (Bureau of Labor Statistics) system is totally inadequate,” Kennedy said, adding the actual data would reflect much less favorably on the agency.
Later, Pendergrass vehemently denied Kennedy’s accusation that there has been a “retreat from safety” by OSHA under the Reagan Administration. “There has not been,” he said.
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