By Brent I. ClarkJames L. Curtis, Patrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has just released several fact sheets applicable to industries regulated under the Crystalline Silica Standards in Construction Rule.

OSHA has recently released several silica dust fact sheets, including Controlling Silica Dust in Construction – Crushing Machines
Continue Reading OSHA Publishes Crystalline Silica Standards Rule Fact Sheets for Construction

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: In a win for labor, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals orders the remand of the Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction and General Industry (Silica Rule) for OSHA to explain its decision to omit medical removal protections.

In a decision this morning, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Continue Reading Circuit Court Finds OSHA Failed to Adequately Explain the Crystalline Silica Standards Rule

By Brent I. ClarkAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has recently published “Small Entity Compliance” Guides for the new Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction and General Industry.

OSHA recently released small entity compliance guides for both construction and general industry.  See Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard in Construction
Continue Reading OSHA Publishes “Small Entity Compliance” Guides for the Crystalline Silica Standards

By Patrick D. Joyce and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA announced a thirty day phase-in for enforcement of the Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction under 29 CFR 1926.1153.  The new rule will be fully effective by Monday, October 23, 2017.

OSHA’s new crystalline silica rule is wide-reaching and, for that reason, the rulemaking has been contentious. We have
Continue Reading OSHA Adopts 30-Day “Phase-In” of Enforcement of Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction

By Brent I. Clark, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Photo from CSB YouTube page video capture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCEErm18T2k
Photo from CSB YouTube page video capture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCEErm18T2k

Seyfarth Synopsis: The CSB found deficiencies in the facility’s design and labeling of the chemical loading stations, and failure to follow the company’s written chemical unloading procedures.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board recently released
Continue Reading Processing Plant Crosses Its Wires — Safety Board Finds Company “Did Not Follow Procedures”

By Brent I. Clark and Craig B. Simonsen

iStock_000062437178MediumSeyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has just announced a three month delay of enforcement of the Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction under 29 CFR 1926.1153.

Crystalline silica is a staple of our modern society.  OSHA notes that it’s a common mineral that is found in many naturally occurring materials, and used in many
Continue Reading OSHA Delays Enforcement of Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction

By Jeryl L. Olson, Ilana R. Morady, Patrick D. Joyce, Philip L. Comella, and Craig B. Simonsen

shutterstock_30524071The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) just announced that it has amended the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). 81 Fed. Reg. 18527 (March 31, 2016).

It has done so by adopting its proposed regulatory amendments applicable to the reverse
Continue Reading DOT Publishes Final Rule on “Safe Reverse Logistics” for Retail “Returns” of Hazardous Materials to Distribution Centers

By Brent I. Clark and Craig B. Simonsen

iStock_000062437178MediumOSHA and its sister agency the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have just released a “Hazard Alert” on Worker Exposure to Silica During Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation.

We had previously blogged about NIOSH’s “Hazard Alert” for Worker Exposure to Silica During Hydraulic Fracturing. In addition,
Continue Reading Hazard Alert on Worker Exposure to Silica in Countertop Manufacturing Industry

By Ilana R. Morady and Craig B. Simonsen

shutterstock_30524071On August 6, 2014, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule modifying the requirements governing the transportation of lithium cells and batteries. 79 Fed. Reg. 46012.

The final rule revised hazard communication and packaging provisions for lithium batteries to harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations with applicable
Continue Reading DOT Partially Extends Compliance Date for HazCom and Labeling of Lithium Cells and Batteries

By Andrew H. Perellis, Ilana R. Morady, and Craig B. Simonsen

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has adopted, retroactively, amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) to maintain alignment with international standards by incorporating changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations, and vessel stowage requirements.
Continue Reading DOT “Harmonization” with International Hazardous Materials Standards