With a decrease in federal inspectors—from 846 in February 2024 to 736 in June 2025—OSHA is challenged in reaching the nation’s 11.6 million worksites.
This challenge could compound due to staff attrition and other reductions. As we have reported since 2022, a lack of available inspectors can lead to fewer inspections, diminished enforcement in high-risk industries and, ultimately, greater risk of fatalities, injuries, or compromised health for workers. OSHA anticipates in 2026 it, along with its state partners, will have approximately 1,720 inspectors covering 144 million workers. This translates to about 1 inspector for every
84,000 workers.