A series of safety documents, previously available on the Department of Labor website, were recently removed following an executive order from former President Donald Trump. The action targets federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives. Among the documents purged were critical guidance for first responders dealing with victims of chemical releases and recommendations for small businesses on personal protective equipment (PPE) in diverse scenarios. The removal has sparked concern among House Democrats and the broader public regarding the implications for workplace safety.
The deleted guidance for first responders characterized them as a "diverse group," noting their varied working conditions, whether full-time, part-time, or volunteer-based. This classification aimed to highlight the unique challenges faced by these professionals in emergency situations. Additionally, the removed documents also included instructions for small businesses on selecting appropriate PPE in different situations.
The decision to remove these documents was a direct result of President Trump's executive order, which sought to terminate federal initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The White House further supported this mandate by issuing directives against promoting "gender ideology." Emails obtained by Popular Information revealed that OSHA public affairs officials instructed the removal of these publications and ordered their non-distribution from OSHA's warehouse.
“If you have wallet cards that include language, or can be interpreted, on DEIA or gender ideology, please dispose of them as well.” – OSHA public affairs officials
The removal prompted a reaction from House Democrats on the Education and Workforce Committee. They addressed a letter to the acting secretary of Labor expressing their concerns over the potential impact of these actions. They highlighted the importance of maintaining guidance that ensures safety and compliance with federal standards.
One document that was initially removed addressed restroom access for transgender workers, referencing OSHA's sanitation standard. The guideline emphasized employers' obligations to provide restroom facilities without imposing unreasonable restrictions, a measure crucial for safeguarding worker health.
“Employers may not impose unreasonable restrictions on employee use of toilet facilities.” – OSHA's sanitation standard
“Bathroom restrictions can result in employees avoiding using restrooms entirely while at work, which can lead to potentially serious physical injury or illness.” – OSHA's sanitation standard
Following pressure from House Democrats, this particular guide from 2015 was reinstated on the website. However, other documents concerning first responders and workplace violence in healthcare settings have not yet returned online.
“Their risks vary with their primary and secondary roles.” – OSHA guidance on treating victims of chemical exposures
The Trump administration has been actively searching for terms related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a basis to freeze funding and dismantle related initiatives. This systematic approach seeks to reshape federal programs by eliminating references that align with these concepts.
“Built-in capability to [adapt for] unique work rate, mask and gender situations that might apply in a specific workplace.” – OSHA guidance on properly fitting respirators for health care professionals
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