The Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor criticized the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the Agency response to COVID in 2020. Reports by Inspectors General of cabinet departments document deficiencies but also include recommendations for remedial action.

The report faulted OSHA on detachment from the workplace.  Despite receiving numerous complaints, the Agency reduced the number of inspections from 2019, claiming restrictions imposed by COVID. The report faulted OSHA for not responding to COVID, failing to create outreach and training services and neglecting to analyze and document referrals by other federal agencies.

The lack of concern over worker safety during the COVID epidemic during 2020 is contrasted with the actions taken by the California State OSHA that actively evaluated preventive measures and supported county health departments and supported employers with advice on preventive action.