The root of the problem stems from the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act that makes employers responsible for making sure that workers have safe and healthy workplaces, but it does not define what a workplace is. Many erroneously think that OSHA rules do not cover their employees that take work home, while others remain confused about their responsibilities. OSHA is currently developing a new enforcement directive that is suppose to clarify the issue for workers and employers, but neither the public nor Congress will be able to comment on the new directive before it becomes the law of the land. Congress, not OSHA, must revisit the OSH Act to clarify that OSHA's power stops at the front doors of America's homes. More information is available in a recent study by The Heritage Foundation.
Suggestions are welcome.