Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, has introduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act, which would amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act and significantly raise civil and criminal penalties for violations. This marks an escalation in the effort to tighten enforcement practices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis recently signaled a more aggressive stance toward enforcement than she says was taken during the Bush administration. OSHA is hiring more inspectors and launching a new program to intensify enforcement of negligent employers. NSSGA said it is following congressional activity on OSHA reform legislation, which could be a prelude to tighter enforcement by MSHA and reintroduction of a supplemental mine safety bill.