No Regulations!

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I work in an industry where the thought of OSHA brings a bit of panic to some of my clients.

Now, most of the people I work with are trying to do things the right way and don’t ever want to see one of their employees injured, but the threat of an OSHA fine also makes them truly pay attention to the rules.

And rules and regulations are necessary.

Just over 50 years ago, OSHA came to be because more Americans were dying at work than dying in Viet Nam…

…where there was a war going on.

The number of Americans who have lost their life at work has been drastically reduced since then.

With a bit of an exception…

…there was a time, at the start of the century when the Republican administration wanted a ‘friendlier’ relationship with OSHA.

When the threat of fines was off the table…

…the number of deaths drastically increased.

(I have a point here!)

Remember the BP Oil spill?

Happened when regulations were eased and liability was capped.

What happened yesterday is tragic.

The Supreme Court (and I have no idea why those two words are capitalized) did the world a disservice.

Turned their back on climate change.

Shunned the workers.

Eased regulations.

In the name of the almighty dollar.

The fossil fuel titans are rejoicing…

…they paid good money for that decision.

And when you hear about a catastrophe and wonder how the hell it could possibly happen…

…remember yesterday’s decision.

It will cost people their lives.

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