OSHA Nominee Says He is Open to Criminal Penalties for Egregious Cases of Workplace Safety Violation

Employment Law

Scott Mugno, nominee for Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, told senators at a hearing this week that he would consider pursuing criminal penalties under certain cases of extreme workplace safety violations.  In response to a line of questioning by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mr. Mugno said, "If the circumstances are right, the elements are met, in consultation with the Solicitor’s office and the [Department of Justice], yes.  And I have talked to [Labor Secretary Alex Acosta] and I know that he feels the same way under those circumstances."  Mr. Mugno, however, declined to promise increasing efforts to publicize violations through press releases.  He currently serves as Vice President, Safety, Sustainability & Vehicle Maintenance at FedEx Ground.