Federal Investigation Launched into Nevada’s OSHA Plan
However, the sudden withdrawal of “willful” citations against Boring Company, a $5.6 billion tunneling startup, has sparked a federal investigation into Nevada’s state OSHA plan.
Meanwhile, Boring Company was caught illegally dumping wastewater into manholes around Las Vegas, prompting residents to demand accountability from their representatives.
Consequently, Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus sent a demand letter to Governor Lombardo, urging him to make the company’s meetings with Nevada OSHA public and answer questions about the investigation.
Federal OSHA Review Underway
However, the federal OSHA review is a big deal, as it evaluates whether a state plan is at least as effective as federal OSHA—a requirement under U.S. law.
Moreover, this is not the first time Nevada OSHA has faced federal scrutiny, as a “special study” in 2009 found “a number of serious concerns” in the program.
Therefore, the findings of this investigation will be closely tracked once federal OSHA finishes its review.
Background on the Boring Company Controversy
However, the controversy surrounding Boring Company began when Nevada’s state safety regulator issued three “willful” citations against the company after a training drill went wrong.
Meanwhile, Boring executives had set up a meeting with senior regulators in the state, and the citations had been withdrawn within 24 hours.
In addition, a public record that referenced the meeting was altered, sparking concerns about the handling of the investigation.
Investigation Timeline
However, the investigation into Nevada’s OSHA plan was launched after federal OSHA received a “CASPA” complaint, a Complaint About State Plan Administration.
Furthermore, this is the first time Nevada OSHA has faced federal scrutiny since 2008, when a high death rate among construction workers at the Las Vegas Strip was reported.
Therefore, the findings of this investigation will be closely tracked once federal OSHA finishes its review.
Conclusion
However, the federal investigation into Nevada’s OSHA plan is a significant development, as it evaluates whether a state plan is at least as effective as federal OSHA.
Moreover, this is not the first time Nevada OSHA has faced federal scrutiny, as a “special study” in 2009 found “a number of serious concerns” in the program.
Therefore, the findings of this investigation will be closely tracked once federal OSHA finishes its review.
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