He found the company was doing nothing to protect its largely female work force from the effects of the solvent's vapors. Workers at the electronics plant who sprayed chloroform onto small electric parts received more than five times the permitted level of exposure to the solvent. Believing that OSHA is basically a sufficient mechanism to protect worker health and safety, Lofgren proceeds to analyze how the agency's effectiveness can be enhanced. The overall policy direction given to the agency by the President strongly affects OSHA's operations. When fines were assessed, they were usually low or reduced in the appeals process.
Inspections become imposed information and safety audits without real sanction.
The problem with forced consultation is that many employers will not respond to mere suggestions for improving workplace safety. Lofgren's case studies make this clear. At the microelectronics company, a minor repair prevented workers from being exposed to dangerous levels of chloroform. Not years of overexposure resulting in adverse health risks, including reproductive effects and cancer. Not persistent complaints from employees.