But state records and federal reports show that under Pataki, PESH began a steady downward slide. The numbers continued to tumble. State records show that from 1997 to 1999, PESH inspections slipped 46 percent, from 3432 in 1997 to 1863 in 1999, while violations dropped 41 percent, from 7830 to 4618. State officials insist that inspections and fines are down because improved safety conditions at work have resulted in fewer complaints. Employers are increasingly complying with our regulations.
Unions say workers are simply disenchanted with the system.
And the reason why is that we are not filing as many as before. Unions aren't the only ones concerned about Pataki's attitude toward workplace protection. A recent analysis by OSHA detailed numerous shortfalls in the agency's performance. OSHA found that almost 30 percent of the PESH complaints it examined were improperly classified as less than serious, allowing the agency 120 days to conduct an investigation. Even where complaints were classified properly, OSHA found that PESH's investigations still took months longer than required.