By Adam R. Young, A. Scott Hecker, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that OSHA has launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers from the hazards of silica.

Exposure to crystalline silica dust above recognized permissible exposure limits can result in severe lung disease, including

Continue Reading Federal OSHA Announces Inspection Initiative Focusing on Crystalline Silica in the Stone Fabrication Industry

By James L. Curtis, Brent I. ClarkAdam R. YoungA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. Joyce, Benjamin D. Briggs, Mark A. LiesDaniel R. Birnbaum, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that OSHA has issued a heat hazard alert to “remind employers of their

Continue Reading OSHA Issues Heat Hazard Alert Reminding Employers to Protect Workers Against Heat Illness and Injury – States are Following Suit

By Adam R. Young and Mark A. Lies II

With the Biden Administration’s aggressive new generation of OSHA compliance officers and enforcement objectives, employers would be wise to develop a written program that incorporates all best practices for inspection management.  Attached is a link to an article outlining best practices for employers when faced with handling an OSHA inspection. 

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Continue Reading Be Ready to Defend the Castle: Seyfarth Legal Update Guides Employers on How to Implement an Effective OSHA Inspection Management Policy

By A. Scott HeckerAdam R. YoungPatrick D. Joyce, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 14, 2023, we attended a webinar presented by U.S. DOL Solicitor Seema Nanda, DOL Wage and Hour Division Principal Deputy Jessica Looman, DOL Occupational Safety and Health Administration Assistant Secretary Doug Parker, National

Continue Reading Looking to Prevent and Address Workplace Retaliation, Government Leaders from DOL, NLRB, and EEOC Present Employers with “Best Practices”

By Adam R. YoungA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. JoyceBrent I. Clark, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Powered Industrial Trucks (forklifts) are the focus of a new OSHA Regional Emphasis Program (REP). The program covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota—the federal-OSHA states in Region 8.

As we noted in a previous blog

Continue Reading OSHA Continues to Target Employers who Utilize Powered Industrial Vehicles with New Regional Emphasis Program

By James L. CurtisAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: With a larger base of compliance officers, OSHA has significantly increased its ability to conduct on-site inspections and reorient its enforcement strategies.

OSHA’s budget was essentially flat during the Trump Administration.  As health care costs increased and compliance safety and health officers retired, OSHA struggled

Continue Reading OSHA Significantly Increases the Number of Investigators

By Brent I. Clark, Mark A. Lies, IIAdam R. Young, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The CDC published guidance aimed at assisting retail and service companies in limiting workplace violence against or involving their employees that may be associated with enforcing face mask mandates and other COVID-19 precautions.

On March
Continue Reading CDC Guidance on Workplace Violence in Retail Associated with COVID-19, Customer Face Mask Enforcement

By Brent I. Clark, Benjamin D. Briggs, James L. Curtis, Daniel R. BirnbaumPatrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: On April 13, 2020, OSHA released an Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is intended to provide instructions and guidance to Area Offices and
Continue Reading OSHA Publishes Interim Enforcement Response Plan for COVID-19 Inspections

By Benjamin D. BriggsJames L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA’s enforcement budget increase to drive increase in 2021 inspections. 

The OSHA FY 2021 Congressional Budget Justification shows that in FY 2020 OSHA will receive an additional $12.7 million in funding that it will use to increase its Compliance Safety and Health Officer ranks
Continue Reading OSHA FY 2021 Congressional Budget Anticipates More Inspections to Come

By James L. CurtisMark A. Lies, IIAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: In its introduction to its New Active shooter training materials, the Illinois State Police note that “civilians that are present at any given incident are the true first responders.”

The Illinois State Police (ISP) have developed and are making
Continue Reading Illinois State Police Provide Training on Active Shooter, Workplace Violence