This article accompanies OSHA's Sharper Teeth.

The "Protecting America's Workers Act" would amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to expand coverage under the Act, to increase protections for whistleblowers, to increase penalties for certain violators, and for other purposes.

Regardless of whether the bill is approved, experts say, organizations should expect more investigations of OSHA regulations and tougher penalties from the Obama administration.

Also, here's a recent HREOnline story on the bill.

See also:

OSHA's Sharper Teeth

Q&A with David Michaels

Ergonomics: The Next Battleground

Safety-Reporting Disincentives