Photo of Adam R. Young

Adam R. Young

Subscribe to Adam R. Young's Posts
Contact:Read more about Adam R. Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: Newly-confirmed member on Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission offers hope for eventual resolutions of pending cases.

On October 10, 2025, the Senate confirmed Jonathan L. Snare to serve as a Commissioner of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), filling one of the long-vacant seats on the three-member appellate panel for federal OSHA cases. His term…

Continue Reading Jonathan Snare Confirmed to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission

Seyfarth Synopsis: David Keeling’s confirmation as OSHA Chief could give regulatory and enforcement direction to OSHA when federal government funding is restored, likely moving the agency towards enhanced collaboration with industry and refocusing of enforcement priorities.  

Senate Confirms Keeling

On October 6, 2025, as part of a larger confirmation of Trump appointees, the Senate voted 51-47 to confirm as…

Continue Reading David Keeling Confirmed as OSHA Chief: A New Era for Cooperation and Enhanced Occupational Safety?

Seyfarth Synopsis: Despite Congress failing to fund the federal government, the Department of Labor and OSHA will continue to operate with a skeleton crew. Citations will still be issued, deadlines remain in effect, and employers must report serious injuries and fatalities.

OSHA Furloughed Most Staff

On October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown following Congress’s failure to fund…

Continue Reading Shutdown Guide: Navigating OSHA Compliance During the Federal Government Shutdown

Introduction

OSHA duty officers around the country routinely field complaints from employees and labor unions alleging workplaces are understaffed and unsafe. Unions often dispute staffing levels, complaining that employers have insufficient bargaining unit members and insufficient members with seniority. Individual complainants allege that they are left to work alone, have no backup in case of emergency, or are at enhanced…

Continue Reading Safe Staffing Levels? OSHA and Legal Liabilities

Seyfarth Synopsis: Oregon OSHA institutes program for comprehensive follow-up inspections based on an employer’s violation history, which necessitates employer care during inspections and negotiation of settlements.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 592 into law in 2023, requiring Oregon OSHA to increase penalties and implement a program for follow-up inspections for significant citations. In response, Oregon OSHA implemented its…

Continue Reading I’ll Be Back: Oregon OSHA’s “For-Cause” Inspection Program May Result in an Unlawful Return Visit

The Trump Administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes big cuts for OSHA.  The Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Budget Justification is available here.  The plan includes an 8% overall budget cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The proposed budget would reduce OSHA’s funding from $632.3 million in FY 2025 to $582.4 million in FY 2026.  In…

Continue Reading Trump Budget Plan Proposes Big Cuts to OSHA, Lowering Head Count and Limiting Enforcement Capabilities

Seyfarth Synopsis: On Thursday, June 5, 2025, OSHA Nominee David Keeling testified that he plans to adopt a more cooperative, proactive approach and pursue a new workplace violence regulation.

As we previously blogged, on February 11, 2025, President Trump nominated David Keeling as Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, pending Senate confirmation. In the first Trump Administration, the…

Continue Reading Nominee for OSHA Chief David Keeling Testifies Before Senate Committee, Outlines Workplace Safety Priorities and Workplace Violence Plans

On May 13, 2025, Cal/OSHA released a new discussion draft of its proposed regulation on Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry. This latest version updates the July 15, 2024 draft we previously blogged about, and reflects stakeholder input gathered through the advisory committee process.

Key Proposed Revisions

Confronting Suspected Criminals

One of the most significant changes is the removal…

Continue Reading Update: Cal/OSHA Releases Revised Draft Workplace Violence Prevention Regulation, Strikes Prohibition on Confronting Shoplifters

Nevada’s sunny and hot summers pose hazards of heat-related illnesses to outdoor workers and non-climate-controlled indoor workers. April 29, 2025 marks a significant milestone for workplace safety in Nevada as the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NV OSHA) begins enforcement of its newly adopted heat illness prevention regulation. The regulation, found in Section 618 of the Nevada Administrative…

Continue Reading Hot Topic: Nevada Joins Ranks of States Enforcing Onerous New Heat Illness Rules

Seyfarth Synopsis: On February 11, 2025, President Trump nominated David Keeling as Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, pending Senate confirmation. Keeling, with extensive experience in occupational safety, is expected to adopt a pro-employer stance, contrasting with the Biden Administration’s approach. Anticipated changes include a delay or termination of new regulations on heat illness and workplace violence, and granting employers…

Continue Reading Former Safety Director David Keeling Nominated to Lead OSHA