Although 2 states have indoor air regulations restricting workplace smoking, the proposed federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule on Indoor Air Quality remains pending. We are examining the arguments used in support or opposition to the regulations to determine if there are differences between the state and federal deliberations. Since internal tobacco industry documents outline strategies to develop coalitions with business and labor organizations to oppose smoking restriction regulations, we examine the affiliations of those supporting or opposed to the regulation. Transcripts from the OSHA hearings held between September 1994 and January 1995 are coded for affiliations and arguments presented. Of the 238 testifiers, 70% (166/238) opposed the regulation, 27% (64/238) supported it, and 3% (8/238) were neutral. The tobacco industry was represented by 46 individuals opposed to the regulation. Business (small businesses, merchant organizations, and industries) accounted for 80% of the opposition. In contrast, only 14% of those supporting the regulation were from business related organizations. Labor organizations expressed the most support 34%, followed by private consultants 14% and federal government representatives 11%. Our findings suggest that the tobacco industry was not successful in recruiting labor organizations to oppose the OSHA regulation in hearings. There is little overlap in hearing presenters between OSHA and the state cases, and we are continuing to compare the arguments presented at the federal and state level. Our findings will help us understand why the states have been more successful in passing indoor air regulations than the federal government.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the OSHA Air Quality regulation. 2. Identify two tobacco industry strategies to hinder the passage of tobacco control regulations. 3. Describe how the tobacco industry attempted to develop coalitions with business and labor organizations
Keywords: OSHA, Tobacco Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.