Washington, DC – Capitol Hill offices are substantially safer this Congress than in the past as Congressional Members have voluntarily abated safety and health hazards that were putting their employees and visitors in their offices at risk, according to the Office of Compliance, an independent agency established by the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (“CAA”) to administer and enforce safety and workplace rights laws in Congress. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OSHA”) was made applicable for the first time to Congress with the passage of the CAA.

“In the past, we’ve found serious fire hazards such as blocked sprinkler heads, stacks of paper on heaters, fire doors obstructed by furniture, and outlets with exposed live wires. We are not talking about paper cuts, or too many extension cords strung together in a daisy chain. We are talking about serious hazards that have plagued Congressional offices for years,” said Peter Ames Eveleth, General Counsel of the Office of Compliance.

Eveleth also said that Members are serious about setting an example that they will live by the laws that regulate other employers. “Many Members are not only concerned with the safety of their employees and visitors, but they also want to send a message to employers and employees in their states and districts that Congress will live by the laws that apply to employers in the private sector and the Executive Branch.”

Tamara Chrisler, Executive Director of the Office of Compliance, also credited heightened awareness and compliance not only among Congressional Members, but also among House and Senate Employment Counsel and workers in the Architect of the Capitol’s office. “It’s really a collective effort that serves as a role model for effectively reducing OSHA hazards. AOC workers and Employment Counsel, working in conjunction with Members, have played a substantial and leading role in instilling a culture of safety in the Legislative Branch. The increase in awards this Congress is a real tribute to their concentrated efforts across Capitol Hill to make the Congressional workplace safer for everyone.”