Credit: Eileen Sullivan and Rebecca Davis O’Brien / The New York Times · February 18, 2026 · © Original owner, used under fair use.
The number of workplace inspections conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plummeted over a six-month period in 2025, sparking concerns among labor advocates that the Trump administration is relaxing oversight of companies and increasing the potential for serious injuries and deaths.
In recent years, OSHA has been under fire from critics who argue that it has become less effective at enforcing workplace safety regulations. The agency’s declining inspection numbers are seen as a symptom of this broader trend. According to data obtained by the Labor Department, between January and June 2025, OSHA conducted just over 45,000 inspections – a significant drop from the same period in 2019, when the agency conducted nearly 60,000 inspections.
The decline in inspections has been attributed in part to a reduction in funding for OSHA. The Trump administration’s budget proposal for 2025 slashed funding for the Labor Department by nearly $1 billion, with a substantial portion of those cuts aimed at OSHA. Critics argue that this reduced funding has forced the agency to prioritize its resources and focus on more severe cases, rather than conducting proactive inspections.
David Keeling, the president of the AFL-CIO’s Building and Construction Trades Department, expressed alarm at the decline in inspections. “When you see a reduction in inspections, it sends a message to employers that they can get away with violating safety regulations,” he said. “It’s a recipe for disaster.” Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, echoed Keeling’s concerns, stating that “the decline in OSHA inspections is a betrayal of working families who deserve safe workplaces.”
Some lawmakers have criticized the Trump administration’s handling of OSHA. Elizabeth Warren, a senator from Massachusetts and a vocal advocate for worker rights, has called on the administration to restore funding for the agency. She argues that the decline in inspections is not just a statistical anomaly, but rather a symptom of a broader effort by the administration to dismantle worker protections.
The implications of this trend are far-reaching. As the economy continues to grow and more workers enter the labor market, the potential consequences of lax enforcement become increasingly dire. Critics argue that the reduced number of inspections will lead to a rise in workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities – all with devastating consequences for families and communities.
For everyday Americans, the decline in OSHA inspections is a stark reminder of the administration’s priorities. It means that workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture are more vulnerable than ever to serious harm or even death on the job. As workers struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families, they deserve to know that their workplaces are safe – but under this administration, it appears that safety has taken a backseat.
The controversy surrounding OSHA’s inspection numbers comes at a time when worker protections are already under threat from other sources. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has seen its budget cut by nearly 30% since Trump took office, and the agency’s ability to enforce labor laws has been severely impaired. Critics argue that this is not just an issue of funding, but also a matter of policy – as the administration seeks to create a more business-friendly environment at the expense of worker safety.
As lawmakers grapple with the implications of OSHA’s declining inspection numbers, it remains unclear what steps will be taken to restore the agency’s ability to enforce workplace safety regulations. One thing is certain, however: the lives and livelihoods of countless American workers hang in the balance. We invite readers to share their thoughts on this story – do you think the decline in OSHA inspections is a sign of a larger problem with worker protections? How can we ensure that our workplaces remain safe for everyone?
Source:
The New York Times