U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has reintroduced legislation she says will help ensure that workers are safeguarded in the 21st century economy. The Protecting America’s Workers Act (PAWA) amends and updates the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Similar measures have been introduced in the past, but have not made it through Congress.

The PAWA would expand the OSH Act to include state, county, municipal, and federal government employees who are currently not covered in states where federal OSHA has authority. It would also increase whistleblower protections and improve OSHA reporting, inspection, and enforcement. For example, it would make it a felony for employers to have knowledge of violations that lead to an employee fatality.

Said Murray, “Every worker, in every industry, deserves to be confident that while they are working hard and doing their jobs, their employers are doing everything they can to protect them.” Ten other Democratic senators signed on as cosponsors.