South Carolina is again challenging federal OSHA’s insistence that state workplace safety agencies must have maximum fine levels that match federal penalties.
“This simplistic and conclusory claim ignores the fact that diligent administration and enforcement by state plans can still result in ‘safe and healthful employment and places of employment’ as federal standards, even where state civil penalties are not identical to federal civil penalties,” the state said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court.
If a court rules in South Carolina’s favor, the decision could lead to reduced fine levels in states with their own worker safety programs. ...