Arizona Bill Could Avert OSHA Takeover

A bill that could avert a federal takeover of Arizona’s construction safety standards division has been signed into law by Gov. Jan Brewer.

Arizona has its own Occupational Safety and Health Administration that must comply with minimum federal requirements.

But legislation in 2012 changed Arizona’s safety standards so that conventional precautions would have to be taken if someone was working 15 feet above ground or higher. Federal standards say the precautions are required at 6 feet above ground.

An amendment to Senate Bill 1307 would revoke that 2012 legislation but only if the federal agency ultimately deems Arizona’s standards inefficient. The agency has threatened to take over Arizona operations if the state does not meet requirements.

Brewer signed the bill Tuesday.