Extending OSHA Protections to Public Sector Employees
Alexa Martin
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) establishes workplace safety standards that require employers to take certain measures to prevent or minimize dangers to employees. In Pennsylvania, OSHA protections apply only to private sector employees. House Bill 308, also known as the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, or “Jake’s Law,” seeks to extend OSHA protections to public sector employees. The bill is named after Jacob Schwab, a former mechanic for the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority who died in a tragic workplace accident. House Bill 308 recognizes that public sector employees perform job functions comparable to those performed by private sector employees, yet public sector employees lack the same health and safety standards afforded to private sector employees. Thus, the bill charges the Secretary of Labor and Industry with the responsibility of ensuring that OSHA safeguards are applied equally to the public and private sectors. The bill also provides for the creation of the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review Board to handle compliance and appeals. If passed, the bill is expected to reduce workplace injuries, lower workers’ compensation claims, and improve overall workplace health and safety.
House Bill 308 passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in April 2025 and was subsequently referred to the Senate Labor & Industry Committee. Stay tuned for updates regarding this important legislation.