This bill mandates that state employers comply with safety standards equivalent to those established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It amends RSA 277:1 to require that employers provide a level of protection for employees that is at least as effective as the standards set forth in rules adopted under RSA 277:16. The bill also introduces a new paragraph in RSA 277:16, granting the commissioner the authority to adopt rules that align with OSHA standards, review these standards annually, and update them as necessary. The commissioner will maintain records of these reviews and make recommendations for statutory amendments to the legislature when needed.

Additionally, the bill allows for the hiring of up to six full-time labor inspectors and one support staff member to enforce these safety standards. The costs associated with these positions, along with necessary equipment and operational expenses, will be charged against the Department of Labor's administration fund or a restricted fund, as approved by the legislative fiscal committee. The estimated fiscal impact includes expenditures exceeding $639,000 in FY 2026, with subsequent years showing similar costs, while the potential revenue from civil penalties for non-compliance remains indeterminable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 277:1, 277:16