OSHA Tells House Panel It Just Issued First Virus Citation

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued its first coronavirus-related citation "within the last week," the embattled head of the agency told lawmakers Thursday at a marathon House subcommittee hearing on OSHA's virus enforcement — or its alleged lack thereof.

Sweatt disclosed the recent write-up in a line of questioning by Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., about the enforcement figures. Pressed on whether "these citations [can] be issued faster," Sweatt said "rushing to issue a citation" is not the best use of the agency's resources.