PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 255
PRINTER'S NO. 962
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
299
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY HARKINS, KINSEY, SAMUELSON, HOHENSTEIN, MARKOSEK,
ISAACSON, HILL-EVANS, McNEILL, ZABEL, CIRESI, SCHLOSSBERG,
SANCHEZ, BENHAM, D. WILLIAMS, PISCIOTTANO, D. MILLER,
DELLOSO, MADDEN, NEILSON, GALLOWAY, FIEDLER, DEASY, STURLA,
MALAGARI, FREEMAN, N. NELSON, BRENNAN, MUNROE, MEHAFFIE,
KHAN, HADDOCK, SCOTT, BOROWSKI, WEBSTER, GREEN AND WAXMAN,
MARCH 10, 2023
AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, APRIL 24, 2023
AN ACT
Providing for workplace health and safety standards for public
employees; providing for powers and duties of the Secretary
of Labor and Industry; establishing the Pennsylvania
Occupational Safety and Health Review Board; providing for
workplace inspections; and imposing penalties.
This act may be referred to as Jake's Law.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1. Short title.
Section 2. Legislative declaration.
Section 3. Definitions.
Section 4. Application.
Section 5. Employer duties.
Section 6. Regulations.
Section 7. Standards.
Section 8. Variances.
Section 9. Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review
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Board.
Section 10. Appeal from review board.
Section 11. Inspection and investigation powers.
Section 12. Inspection and investigation of violations.
Section 13. Recordkeeping.
Section 14. Compliance orders.
Section 15. Enforcement procedures.
Section 16. Injunction proceedings.
Section 17. Penalties.
Section 18. Discrimination against employees.
Section 19. Research and demonstration projects.
Section 20. Education programs.
Section 21. Reports to United States Secretary of Labor.
Section 22. Confidentiality of information maintained.
Section 23. Funding.
Section 24. Effective date.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Public
Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Section 2. Legislative declaration.
The General Assembly hereby declares as follows:
(1) It is a basic right of all employees to work in an
environment that is free from hazards and risks to their
safety. It is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure
that this right is also afforded to employees of the
Commonwealth, its counties, cities, towns, boroughs and
townships and other public employers who serve the people of
this Commonwealth.
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(2) A significant percentage of all of those employed in
this Commonwealth are employed by the Commonwealth or by one
of its political subdivisions. Many of these public employees
perform job functions comparable to those performed by
workers in the private sector who are protected by 29 U.S.C.
Ch. 15 (relating to occupational safety and health). The
General Assembly, therefore, finds it inappropriate to
continue two standards for employee safety, one applicable to
those who work in the private sector and one for those who
are employed by a public employer.
(3) The General Assembly has further determined that a
safe place in which to work is economically advantageous to
employers. Work-related accidents and injuries and the
absences caused thereby decrease employee productivity and
increase workers' compensation costs. In addition, unsafe
premises increase the risk of financial liability for
injuries to members of the public who frequent public
buildings.
(4) The General Assembly, in an exercise of the
Commonwealth's police power, charges the secretary with the
responsibility to ensure that all public employees are
afforded the same safeguards in their workplace as are
granted to employees in the private sector.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Authorized employee representative." An employee authorized
by employees or the designated representative of an employee
organization recognized or certified to represent the employees.
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"Department." The Department of Labor and Industry of the
Commonwealth.
"Employee organization." An organization of any kind or an
agency or employee representation committee or plan in which
membership includes public employees and which exists for the
purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers
concerning grievances, employee-employer disputes, wages, rates
of pay, hours of employment or conditions of work. The term does
not include an organization that practices discrimination in
membership because of race, color, creed, national origin or
political affiliation.
"Occupational safety and health standard." A standard that
requires conditions, or the adoption or use of one or more
practices, means, methods, operations or processes, reasonably
necessary or appropriate to provide safe or healthful employment
in places of employment.
"Person." An individual, partnership, association,
corporation, business trust, legal representative or an
organized group of any of them.
"Public employee" or "employee." An individual employed by a
public employer.
"Public employer" or "employer." As follows:
(1) The Commonwealth, any of its political subdivisions,
including a school district and any office, board,
commission, agency, authority, local transportation
organization or other instrumentality thereof, any nonprofit
organization or institution and any charitable, religious,
scientific, literary, recreational, health, educational or
welfare institution receiving grants or appropriations from
Federal, State or local government.
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(2) The term does not include an employer covered or
presently subject to coverage under 29 U.S.C. Ch. 15
(relating to occupational safety and health).
"Review board." The Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and
Health Review Board established under section 9(a).
"Secretary." The Secretary of Labor and Industry or a
designated agent.
Section 4. Application.
(a) Applicability and enforcement generally.--
(1) An occupational safety or health standard
promulgated under the provisions of this act shall apply to
all public employers and public employees.
(2) The secretary shall have authority to enforce the
occupational safety and health standard in accordance with
the provisions of this act.
(b) Statutory and common law rights preserved.--Nothing in
this act shall be construed to supersede or in any manner affect
any workers' compensation law or to enlarge, diminish or affect
in any manner common law or statutory rights, duties or
liabilities of employers or employees under any law with respect
to injuries, diseases or death of employees arising out of and
in the course of employment.
(c) Employees not covered by Federal standard.--
Notwithstanding any other provision in this act, an occupational
safety or health standard promulgated under this act shall apply
only to employees not covered by a Federal occupational safety
or health standard promulgated under 29 U.S.C. § 655 (relating
to standards) or amendments thereto.
Section 5. Employer duties.
(a) Freedom from hazards.--An employer shall furnish to each
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of its employees employment and a place of employment free from
recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death
or serious physical harm and which will provide reasonable and
adequate protection to the lives, safety or health of its
employees.
(b) Compliance with act.--An employer shall comply with the
occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this
act.
(c) Written statement of substances.--An employer shall,
upon the written request of an employee, furnish the employee
with a written statement listing the substances that the
employee uses or with which the employee comes into contact that
have been identified as toxic or hazardous by occupational
safety and health standards under 29 CFR Pt. 1910 Subpt. H
(relating to hazardous materials) or accessible for inspection
and duplication in accordance with the act of February 14, 2008
(P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law, or both.
(d) Law compliance with regulations and orders.--An employee
and employer shall comply with occupational safety and health
standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued in
accordance with this act that are applicable to their own
actions and conduct.
(e) State plan for standards.--The Commonwealth shall
promulgate a plan for the development and enforcement of
occupational safety and health standards with respect only to
public employers and employees, in accordance with 29 U.S.C. §
667(b) (relating to State jurisdiction and plans).
Section 6. Regulations.
The secretary may promulgate regulations to administer and
enforce this act and shall:
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(1) Provide for the preparation, adoption, amendment or
repeal of regulations governing the conditions of employment
of general and special application in all workplaces.
(2) Provide a method of encouraging employers and
employees in their efforts to reduce the number of safety and
health hazards arising from undesirable or inappropriate
working conditions at the workplace, and of stimulating
employers and employees to institute new programs and to
perfect existing programs for providing safe and healthful
working conditions.
(3) Provide for appropriate reporting procedures by
employers with respect to information relating to conditions
of employment that will assist in achieving the objectives of
this act.
(4) Provide for the frequency, method and manner of
making inspections of workplaces without advance notice,
provided that in the event of an emergency or unusual
situation, the secretary may give advance notice.
(5) Provide for the publication and dissemination to
employers, employees and labor organizations and the posting,
where appropriate, by employers of informational, educational
or training materials designed to aid and assist in achieving
the objectives of this act.
(6) Provide for the establishment of new programs and
the perfection and expansion of existing programs for
occupational safety and health education for employers and
employees and institute methods and procedures for the
establishment of a program for voluntary compliance by
employers and employees with the requirements of this act and
all applicable occupational safety and health standards and
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regulations promulgated under this act.
Section 7. Standards.
(a) Authorization.--The secretary shall, by regulation,
adopt all occupational safety and health standards, amendments
or changes adopted or recognized by the United States Secretary
of Labor under the authority of 29 U.S.C. Ch. 15 (relating to
occupational safety and health) in order to provide reasonable
and adequate protection of the lives, safety and health of
public employees. Subject to subsection (b), the secretary shall
promulgate and repeal regulations as may be necessary to conform
to the standards established in accordance with 29 U.S.C. Ch.
15. If no Federal standards are applicable, the secretary shall
provide for the development of State standards as may be
necessary in special circumstances.
(b) Interstate commerce.--The secretary may not adopt
standards for products distributed or used in interstate
commerce that are different from Federal standards for the
products unless the standards are required by compelling local
conditions and do not unduly burden interstate commerce.
(c) Challenge to standard or regulation.--A person who may
be adversely affected by a standard or regulation issued under
this act may challenge the validity or application of the
standard or regulation by bringing an action for declaratory
judgment.
Section 8. Variances.
(a) Variance procedure.--
(1) A public employer may apply to the secretary for a
temporary order granting a variance from a standard or any
provision of a standard promulgated under this act. A
temporary order shall be granted only if the employer files
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an application that meets the requirements of subsection (b)
and establishes all of the following:
(i) The employer is unable to comply with a standard
by its effective date because of unavailability of
professional or technical personnel or of materials and
equipment needed to come into compliance with the
standard or because necessary construction or alteration
of facilities cannot be completed by the effective date.
(ii) The employer is taking all available steps to
safeguard employees against the hazards covered by the
standard.
(iii) The employer has an effective program for
coming into compliance with the standard as quickly as
practicable.
(2) As follows:
(i) A temporary order issued under this section
shall prescribe the practices, means, methods, operations
and processes that the employer must adopt and use while
the order is in effect and state in detail the employer's
program for coming into compliance with the standard.
(ii) A temporary order may be granted only after
notice to employees and an opportunity for a hearing,
provided that the secretary may issue one interim order
to be effective until a decision is made on the basis of
a hearing.
(iii) A temporary order may not be in effect for
longer than the period needed by the employer to achieve
compliance with the standard or one year, whichever is
shorter, except that an order may be renewed not more
than twice so long as the requirements of this section
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are met and an application for renewal is filed at least
90 days prior to the expiration date of the order.
(iv) An interim renewal of an order shall not remain
in effect longer than 180 days.
(b) Contents of application for variance.--An application
for a temporary variance order shall contain all of the
following:
(1) A specification of the standard or portion of the
standard from which the employer or owner seeks a variance.
(2) A representation by the employer, supported by
representations from qualified persons who have firsthand
knowledge of the facts represented, that the employer is
unable to comply with the standard or portion of the standard
and a detailed statement of the reasons therefor.
(3) A statement of the steps the employer has taken and
will take, with specific dates, to protect employees against
the hazard covered by the standard.
(4) A statement of when the employer expects to be able
to comply with the standard and what steps the employer has
taken and will take, with dates specified, to come into
compliance with the standard.
(5) A certification that the employer has informed its
employees of the application by giving a copy of the
application to the authorized employee representative,
posting a statement giving a summary of the application and
specifying where a copy may be examined at the place or
places where notices to employees are normally posted, and by
other appropriate means. A description of how employees have
been informed shall be contained in the certification. The
information to employees shall also inform them of their
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right to petition the secretary for a hearing.
(c) Variance for experimental program.--The secretary may
grant a variance from any standard or portion of the standard
whenever the secretary determines that a variance is necessary
to permit an employer to participate in an experimental program
approved by the secretary, which is designed to demonstrate or
validate new and improved techniques to safeguard the health or
safety of workers.
(d) Hearing and order.--
(1) An affected employer may apply to the secretary for
a rule or order for a variance from a standard promulgated
under this act. Affected employees shall be given notice of
each such application and an opportunity to participate in a
hearing.
(2) The secretary shall issue a rule or order if the
secretary determines on the record, after opportunity for an
inspection where appropriate and a hearing, that the
proponent of the variance has demonstrated by a preponderance
of the evidence that the conditions, practices, means,
methods, operations or processes used or proposed to be used
by an employer will provide employment and places of
employment that are as safe and healthful as those that would
prevail if the employer complied with the standard. The rule
or order shall prescribe the conditions the employer must
maintain and the practices, means, methods, operations and
processes that the employer must adopt and utilize to the
extent they differ from the standard in question.
(3) A rule or order may be modified or revoked upon
application by an employer, employee or authorized employee
representative, or by the secretary on the secretary's own
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motion, in the manner prescribed for its issuance under this
section at any time after six months from the date it was
entered.
(e) Challenge to standard or regulation.--A person who may
be adversely affected by a standard or regulation issued under
this act may challenge the validity or applicability of the
standard or regulation by bringing an action for declaratory
judgment.
Section 9. Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review
Board.
(a) Establishment.--The Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and
Health Review Board is established to have and exercise the
powers and duties provided by the provisions of this act. The
review board shall consist of five persons appointed by the
Governor from among persons who, by reason of training,
education or experience, are qualified to carry out the
functions of the review board under this act.
(b) Terms of members.--Members of the review board shall
serve terms of four years and until their successors are
appointed. The Governor shall designate one of the members of
the review board to serve as chairperson.
(c) Power to hear appeals.--A member of the review board
shall hear and rule on appeals from compliance orders,
notifications and penalties issued under the provisions of this
act. The secretary shall adopt and promulgate rules and
regulations with respect to the procedures for review board
hearings.
(d) Schedule for hearing appeals.--A review board member
hearing an appeal or appeals under the provisions of this act
shall be paid a per diem amount to be determined by the
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secretary. The members shall alternate the hearing of appeals
according to a schedule adopted by the secretary. If a member is
unable to hear an appeal, the next available member, in
accordance with the schedule, shall hear the appeal. A member
shall be selected to hear the appeal within 30 days after the
date it was filed.
(e) Necessary staff.--The department shall provide the staff
necessary for the purposes of conducting hearings under this
act.
(f) Subpoena power and oaths.--In the conduct of hearings,
the review board member may subpoena and examine witnesses,
require the production of evidence, administer oaths and take
testimony and depositions.
(g) Ruling on appeal.--After hearing an appeal, the review
board member may sustain, modify or dismiss a compliance order
or penalty, provided that decision shall be issued within 120
days after the appeal was filed.
Section 10. Appeal from review board.
A person, including the secretary, adversely affected or
aggrieved by an order of the review board, after all
administrative remedies provided by this act have been
exhausted, is entitled to judicial review.
Section 11. Inspection and investigation powers.
(a) Right to inspect.--
(1) To carry out the purposes of this act, the
secretary, upon presenting appropriate credentials to the
employer, may:
(i) Enter without advance notice and at reasonable
times any workplace or environment where work is
performed by an employee of an employer.
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(ii) Inspect and investigate, during regular working
hours and at other reasonable times and in a reasonable
manner, any place of employment under subparagraph (i)
and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines,
apparatus, devices, equipment and the materials therein.
(iii) Question privately an employer or employee.
(2) Whenever the secretary, proceeding in accordance
with this section, is denied admission to a place of
employment, the secretary may obtain a warrant to make an
inspection or investigation of the place of employment from a
judge of Commonwealth Court.
(b) Witnesses and evidences.--
(1) In making inspections and investigations under this
section, the secretary may require the attendance and
testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence under
oath. Witnesses shall be paid the same fees and mileage that
are paid witnesses in the courts of this Commonwealth.
(2) In case of a failure or refusal of a person to obey
an order, the court of common pleas for the judicial district
in which the person resides, is found or transacts business
shall issue to the person an order requiring the person to
appear to produce evidence if asked, and when so ordered, and
to give testimony relating to the matter under investigation
or in question.
(3) A failure to obey an order of the court may be
punishable by the court as a contempt.
(c) Persons to accompany secretary or representative.--
(1) Subject to regulations issued by the secretary, a
representative of the employer and an authorized employee
representative shall be given an opportunity to accompany the
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secretary during the physical inspection of any workplace for
the purposes of aiding the inspection. If there is no
authorized employee representative, the secretary shall
consult with a reasonable number of employees concerning
matters of health and safety in the workplace.
(2) No employee who accompanies the secretary on an
inspection may suffer any reduction in wages as a result
thereof.
Section 12. Inspection and investigation of violations.
(a) Request for inspection.--
(1) An employee or authorized employee representative
who believes that a violation of an occupational safety or
health standard exists or that an imminent danger exists may
request an inspection by giving notice of a violation or
danger to the secretary.
(2) The notice and request under paragraph (1) shall:
(i) Be in writing.
(ii) Specify with reasonable particularity the
grounds for the notice.
(iii) Be signed by an employee or authorized
employee representative.
(3) A copy of the notice under this subsection shall be
provided by the secretary to the employer or its agent no
later than the time of inspection, except that on the request
of the person giving notice, the names of individual
employees or the authorized employee representative shall be
kept confidential.
(b) Action by secretary.--
(1) Whenever the secretary receives a request for
inspection and determines that there are reasonable grounds
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to believe that a violation or danger exists, the secretary
shall make an inspection as soon as practicable to determine
if a violation or danger exists. The inspection may be
limited to the alleged violation or danger.
(2) If the secretary determines there are no reasonable
grounds to believe that a violation or danger exists, the
secretary shall notify the employer, employee or authorized
employee representative in writing of the determination.
Notification may not preclude future enforcement action if
conditions change.
(c) Notice of violation during inspection.--
(1) Prior to or during any inspection of a workplace, an
employee or authorized employee representative employed in
the workplace may notify in writing the secretary or any
representative of the secretary responsible for conducting
the inspection of any violation of this act that the person
has reason to believe exists in the workplace.
(2) The secretary shall by regulation establish
procedures for informal review of a refusal by a
representative of the secretary to issue a citation with
respect to any alleged violation and shall furnish a written
statement to the employer and the employees or authorized
employee representative requesting a review of the reasons
for the secretary's final disposition of the case.
Notification may not preclude future enforcement action if
conditions change.
(d) Summary by secretary.--The secretary shall compile,
analyze and publish in either summary or detailed form all
reports or information obtained under this section.
(e) Rules and regulations.--The secretary shall prescribe
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rules and regulations as the secretary may deem necessary to
carry out the secretary's responsibilities under this act,
including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of
an employer's or owner's establishment.
Section 13. Recordkeeping.
(a) Employer's duties prescribed by regulation.--In
accordance with the secretary's regulations, an employer shall
make, keep and preserve and make available to the secretary such
records regarding its activities relating to this act as the
secretary deems necessary or appropriate for developing
information regarding the causes and prevention of occupational
accidents and illnesses. The regulations may include provisions
requiring an employer to conduct periodic inspections. The
secretary also shall issue regulations requiring that an
employer, through posting of notices, training or other
appropriate means, keep its employees informed of their
protections and obligations under this act, including the
provisions and regulations of this act.
(b) Records relating to death and injury.--The secretary
shall prescribe regulations requiring an employer to maintain
accurate records and to make public periodic reports of work-
related deaths, injuries and illnesses, other than minor
injuries requiring only first aid treatment and not involving
lost time from work, medical treatment, loss of consciousness,
restriction of work or motion or transfer to another job.
(c) Exposure to toxic or harmful agents.--
(1) The secretary shall issue regulations requiring an
employer to maintain accurate records of employee exposures
to potentially toxic materials or harmful physical agents
that are required to be monitored or measured under any
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occupational safety and health standard adopted under this
act. The regulations shall provide employees or the
authorized employee representative with an opportunity to
observe monitoring or measuring and have access to the
records. The regulations shall make appropriate provisions
for each employee or former employee to have access to
records that will indicate the employee's own exposure to
toxic materials or harmful physical agents.
(2) An employer shall promptly notify an employee who
has been or is being exposed to toxic materials or harmful
physical agents in concentrations or at levels that exceed
those prescribed by an occupational safety and health
standard promulgated under this act and shall inform an
employee who is being thus exposed of the corrective action
being taken.
Section 14. Compliance orders.
(a) Issuance.--Whenever the secretary, upon inspection or
investigation, determines that an employer has violated a
provision of this act or an occupational safety or health
standard or regulation promulgated under this act, the secretary
shall with reasonable promptness issue a compliance order to the
employer. Each compliance order shall be in writing and shall
describe the nature of the violation, including a reference to
the provisions of this act or the standard, regulation or order
alleged to have been violated. The compliance order shall fix a
reasonable time for the abatement of the violation.
(b) Posting of order.--Each compliance order issued under
this section or a copy or copies of the order shall be
prominently posted as prescribed in regulations issued by the
secretary at or near each place a violation referred to in the
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compliance order occurred and at other locations within the
workplace reasonably accessible to the employees.
Section 15. Enforcement procedures.
(a) Notice of order and penalty.--
(1) If, after inspection or investigation, the secretary
issues a compliance order under section 14, the secretary
shall, within a reasonable time after the termination of the
inspection or investigation, notify the employer by certified
mail of the penalty, if any, proposed to be assessed under
section 17. The notification shall inform the employer that
the employer has 15 working days from the receipt of notice
within which to notify the secretary that the employer wishes
to contest the compliance order or proposed assessment of
penalty.
(2) If the employer fails to notify the secretary within
15 days and if no notice is filed by an employee or
authorized employee representative under subsection (c)
within 15 days, the compliance order and the assessment, as
proposed, shall be deemed a final order of the secretary and
not be subject to review by any court or agency.
(b) Notice of failure to correct violation.--
(1) If the secretary has reason to believe that an
employer has failed to correct a violation for which a
compliance order has been issued within the period permitted
for correction, the secretary shall notify the employer by
certified mail of the failure and of the penalty proposed to
be assessed under section 17 by reason of the failure. In the
case, however, of a review proceeding initiated by the
employer under this section in good faith and not solely for
delay or the avoidance of penalties, the period permitted for
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correction of the violation may not begin to run until the
entry of a final order by the review board. Notification by
the secretary shall inform the employer that the employer has
15 working days from the receipt of the notice within which
to notify the secretary that the employer wishes to contest
the notification or the proposed assessment of penalty.
(2) If, within 15 days from receipt of notification
under this section, the employer fails to notify the
secretary that it intends to contest the notification or
proposed assessment of penalty, the notification and
assessment, as proposed, shall be deemed a final order of the
review board and not be subject to review by any court or
agency.
(c) Action by review board.--
(1) If an employer notifies the secretary that it
intends to contest a compliance order issued under section
14(a) or a notification issued under subsection (a) or (b) or
if, within 15 days after the issuance of a compliance order
issued under section 14(a), an employee or authorized
employee representative files a notice with the secretary
alleging that the period of time fixed in the compliance
order for abatement of the violation is unreasonable, the
secretary shall immediately advise the review board of the
notification, and the review board shall afford an
opportunity for a hearing.
(2) The review board shall thereafter issue an order,
based on findings of fact, affirming, modifying or vacating
the secretary's compliance order or proposed penalty or
directing other appropriate relief. The order shall become
final 30 days after its issuance.
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(3) Upon a showing by an employer of a good faith effort
to comply with the abatement requirements of a compliance
order and a showing that abatement has not been completed
because of factors beyond the employer's reasonable control,
the secretary, after an opportunity for a hearing as provided
in this subsection, shall issue an order affirming or
modifying the abatement requirements in the compliance order.
(4) The rules of procedure prescribed by the secretary
shall provide affected employees or the authorized employee
representative of affected employees an opportunity to
participate as parties to hearings under this subsection.
Section 16. Injunction proceedings.
(a) Temporary restraining order.--
(1) Commonwealth Court shall have jurisdiction, upon
petition of the secretary, in accordance with law and general
rules, to restrain any conditions or practices in any place
of public employment that pose a danger that could reasonably
be expected to cause death or serious physical harm
immediately or before the imminence of the danger can be
eliminated through the abatement procedures otherwise
provided for by this act.
(2) An order issued under this section shall require
steps to be taken as may be necessary to avoid, correct or
remove the imminent danger and prohibit the employment or
presence of an individual in locations or under conditions
where the imminent danger exists, except individuals whose
presence is necessary to avoid, correct or remove the
imminent danger.
(3) A temporary restraining order issued without notice
may not be effective for more than five days.
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(b) Action by inspector.--Whenever and as soon as an
inspector concludes that conditions or practices described in
subsection (a) exist in any place of public employment, the
inspector shall inform the affected employees and employers of
the danger and shall further inform them that the inspector is
recommending to the secretary that relief be sought.
(c) Failure of secretary to seek relief.--If the secretary
arbitrarily or capriciously fails to seek relief under this
section, an employee who may be injured by reason of the
failure, or the authorized employee representative of the
employee, may bring an action against the secretary in
Commonwealth Court to compel the secretary to seek an order and
for such further relief as may be appropriate.
Section 17. Penalties.
(a) Willful or repeated violations.--An employer who
willfully or repeatedly violates the requirements of section 4
or 5, an occupational safety and health standard promulgated
under section 7 or regulations prescribed under this act may be
assessed a civil AN ADMINISTRATIVE penalty of not more than
$10,000 for each violation.
(b) Compliance order for serious violation.--An employer who
has received a compliance order for a serious violation of the
requirements of section 4 or 5, an occupational safety and
health standard promulgated under section 7 or regulations
prescribed under this act shall be assessed a civil AN
ADMINISTRATIVE penalty of not more than $1,000 for each
violation.
(c) Compliance order for lesser violation.--An employer who
has received a compliance order for a violation of the
requirements of section 4 or 5, an occupational safety and
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health standard promulgated under section 7 or regulations
prescribed under this act, which violation has been determined
not to be of a serious nature, may be assessed a civil AN
ADMINISTRATIVE penalty of not more than $1,000 for each
violation.
(d) Failure to correct violation.--An employer who fails to
correct a violation for which a compliance order has been issued
under section 14 within the period permitted for its correction,
which period shall not begin to run until the date of the final
order of the review board in the case of any review proceeding
under section 15 initiated by the employer in good faith and not
solely for delay or avoidance of penalties, may be assessed a
civil AN ADMINISTRATIVE penalty of not more than $1,000 for each
day during which the failure or violation continues.
(e) Violation causing death.--
(1) An employer who willfully violates a standard or
order promulgated pursuant to section 7 or a regulation
adopted under this act, which violation caused death to any
employee, commits a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction,
be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $10,000 or to
imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
(2) If a conviction is for a violation committed after a
first conviction, the person shall be sentenced to pay a fine
of not more than $20,000 or to imprisonment for not more than
one year, or both.
(f) Providing advance notice of inspection.--A person who
gives advance notice of any inspection to be conducted under
this act without authority from the secretary commits a
misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a
fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more
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than six months, or both.
(g) False statements.--A person who knowingly makes any
false statement, representation or certification in any
application, record, report, plan or other document filed or
required to be maintained under this act commits a misdemeanor
and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not
more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for not more than six
months, or both.
(h) Violation of posting requirements.--An employer who
violates any of the posting requirements as prescribed under the
provisions of this act shall be assessed a civil AN
ADMINISTRATIVE penalty of not more than $1,000 for each
violation.
(i) Refusing entry for investigation or inspection.--An
employer who refuses entry to the secretary while the secretary
is attempting to conduct an investigation or inspection under
this act or in any way willfully obstructs an authorized
representative from carrying out an investigation or inspection
commits a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced
to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not
more than six months, or both.
(j) Causing bodily harm to secretary.--An employer or
individual who willfully causes bodily harm to the secretary
while the secretary is attempting to conduct an investigation or
inspection under this act commits a misdemeanor and shall, upon
conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $10,000
or to imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
(k) Authority to assess civil ADMINISTRATIVE penalties.--The
review board shall have authority to assess all civil
ADMINISTRATIVE penalties provided for in this act, giving due
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consideration to the appropriateness of the penalty with respect
to the size of the business of the employer being charged, the
gravity of the violation, the good faith of the employer and the
history of previous violations.
(l) Determination of serious violation.--For the purposes of
this act, a serious violation shall be deemed to exist in a
place of employment if there is a substantial probability that
death or serious physical harm could result from a condition
that exists, or from one or more practices, means, methods,
operations or processes that have been adopted or are in use, in
the place of employment unless the employer did not and could
not with the exercise of reasonable diligence know of the
presence of the violation.
(m) Disposition of civil ADMINISTRATIVE penalties.--Civil
ADMINISTRATIVE penalties owed under this act shall be paid to
the secretary for deposit in the State Treasury and may be
recovered in a civil AN ADMINISTRATIVE action in the name of the
Commonwealth brought in Commonwealth Court.
(n) Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.--A
person who violates the provisions of section 22 commits a
misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a
fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more
than one year, or both. In the event that the person is an
officer or employee responsible for carrying out the provisions
of this act, the officer or employee shall be removed from
office or employment upon conviction under this section.
Section 18. Discrimination against employees.
(a) General rule.--An employer or other person may not
discriminate against an employee because the employee has filed
a complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted a
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proceeding under or related to this act or has testified or is
about to testify in a proceeding or because of the exercise by
an employee on the employee's own behalf or on behalf of others
of a right afforded by this act.
(b) Remedy.--
(1) An employee who believes that the employee has been
discharged, disciplined or otherwise discriminated against by
a person in violation of this section may, within 30 days
after a violation occurs, file a complaint with the secretary
alleging discrimination.
(2) Upon receipt of the complaint, the secretary shall
cause an investigation to be made as deemed appropriate and
shall, if requested, withhold the name of the complainant
from the employer.
(3) If, upon investigation, the secretary determines
that the provisions of this section have been violated, the
secretary shall request the Attorney General to bring an
action in Commonwealth Court against the person or persons
alleged to have violated this act. In the action, the
Commonwealth Court shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown,
to restrain violations of this act and to order all
appropriate relief, including reinstatement of the employee
to the employee's former position with back pay and benefits.
(c) Notice of determination of complaint.--Within 90 days of
receipt of a complaint filed under this section, the secretary
shall notify the complainant and the complainant's
representative by registered mail of the secretary's
determination of the complaint.
(d) Other rights preserved.--Nothing in this act may be
construed to diminish the rights of an employee under any law,
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rule or regulation or under any collective bargaining agreement.
Section 19. Research and demonstration projects.
(a) Secretary to conduct.--
(1) The secretary shall conduct research and undertake
demonstration projects relating to occupational safety and
health issues and problems either within the department or by
grants or contracts. The secretary may prescribe regulations
requiring employers to measure, record and make reports on
exposure of employees to toxic substances that the secretary
believes may endanger the health or safety of employees.
(2) The secretary shall cooperate with the Director of
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of
the United States Department of Health and Human Services in
establishing the programs of medical examinations and tests
as may be necessary to determine the incidence of
occupational illnesses and employee susceptibility to the
illnesses.
(3) The programs, on the request of the employer, may be
paid for by the secretary, and the secretary shall provide
other assistance as may be required.
(b) Confidentiality.--Information obtained under this act
shall be made public without revealing the names of individual
workers covered by physical examination or special studies and
shall be made available to employers, employees and their
respective organizations.
Section 20. Education programs.
(a) Programs to train personnel.--The secretary shall
conduct directly, or by grants or contracts, education programs
to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry
out the purposes of this act and informational programs on the
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importance and proper use of adequate safety and health
equipment.
(b) Short-term training.--The secretary may conduct
directly, or by grants or contracts, short-term training of
personnel engaged in work related to the secretary's
responsibilities under this act.
(c) Additional programs.--The secretary shall provide for
the establishment and supervision of programs for the education
and training of employers, owners and employees in the
recognition, avoidance and prevention of unsafe or unhealthful
working conditions in employment covered under this act. The
secretary shall consult with and advise owners and employers,
employees and organizations representing owners, employers and
employees as to effective means of preventing occupational
injuries and illnesses.
Section 21. Reports to United States Secretary of Labor.
In regard to the administration and enforcement of this act,
the secretary shall make reports to the United States Secretary
of Labor in a form and containing information that the Secretary
of Labor shall from time to time require.
Section 22. Confidentiality of information maintained.
All information reported to or otherwise obtained by the
secretary or any member of the review board in connection with
an inspection or proceeding under this act that contains or
might reveal a trade secret shall be considered confidential,
provided that the information may be disclosed to other officers
or employees concerned with carrying out this act or when
relevant in any proceeding under this act. In proceedings under
this act, the secretary, the review board or the court shall
issue orders that may be appropriate to protect the
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confidentiality of trade secrets.
Section 23. Funding.
Nothing in this act may prohibit the secretary from pursuing
Federal or State funding for the purposes of this act.
Section 24. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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