MS SB2373

Establishes the Mississippi Workplace Safety Act to restrict OSHA inspectors from selecting nonemployee representatives unless good cause is demonstrated, including industry expertise, technical education, language skills, or specific qualifications essential to workplace inspections.

Requires nonemployee representatives' credentials be documented in writing and provided to employers before inspection opening conferences; employers are not required to pay for nonemployee representative services.

Permits employers to seek injunctive relief for violations, and if granted injunctions are violated, to recover compensatory damages, nominal damages, attorney's fees, and other appropriate relief.

Establishes civil penalties up to $10,000 per knowing violation and prohibits sovereign immunity as a defense in actions under this act; employers may assert violations as claims or defenses in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

Takes effect July 1, 2024; includes severability provisions allowing valid applications of the act to remain in force if any provisions are found invalid, unconstitutional, or unduly burdensome.