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By Adam R. Young, A. Scott Hecker, Patrick D. Joyce, Daniel R. Birnbaum and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Here we go again. The impending federal government shutdown may suspend many enforcement and consultation functions of the United States Department of Labor, including OSHA.

The federal government is currently funded through November 17, 2023. If Congress does…

Continue Reading Federal Government Shutdown Would Significantly Impact United States Department of Labor Enforcement Activities, OSHA Cases

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

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Mine Safety and Health Administration “remains troubled by the fact that our impact inspections continue to discover the same hazards we’ve identified as root causes for fatal accidents and that we know can cause serious occupational illnesses,” says MSHA Assistant Secretary Chris Williamson.

The federal…

Continue Reading Mining Accidents Lead to ‘Troubling’ 31% Increase in Worker Deaths
OSHA

By  Daniel R. Birnbaum, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Image from OSHA.

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has recently highlighted tractor operator safety by increasing use of rollbars or cage frames.

Employers use tractors to clear winter snows.  As snow season approaches, OSHA warns that many older tractors are in use that are not equipped with rollover…

Continue Reading As Snow Season Approaches, OSHA Focuses On Rollover Protection For Tractor Operators

By Ilana Morady, Brian B. Gillis, Clara Rademacher, Patrick D. Joyce, and Bradley Doucette

Seyfarth Synopsis: Senate Bill 553, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, requires nearly all employers in the State of California to prepare a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, train employees on how to identify and avoid workplace violence, and maintain…

Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention Plans Required For California Employers by July 2024

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 Adam R. Young, Daniel R. Birnbaum, Patrick D. Joyce, A. Scott Hecker, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: To increase enforcement concerning workplace violence incidents, OSHA published a Standard Interpretation Letter concluding injuries resulting from workplace violence are recordable, even if the incident occurs outside of the workplace.

OSHA regularly issues…

Continue Reading OSHA Says Workplace Violence Injuries are Work-Related, Even When Sustained Outside the Workplace

By Adam R. Young, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA announced last week a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the personal protective equipment standard for the construction industry. A revised standard will clarify that personal protective equipment (PPE) must fit each affected employee properly, to protect them from occupational hazards.

For the…

Continue Reading OSHA to Require Better-Fitting PPE in Construction

By James L. Curtis, Brent I. Clark,  Adam R. Young, A. Scott Hecker, Patrick D. Joyce, Benjamin D. Briggs, Mark A. Lies, Daniel 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, A. Scott Hecker, Daniel R. Birnbaum, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become increasing factors in construction and general industry workplaces, creating not only potential safety hazards employers must address, but also opportunities for businesses to modernize and…

Continue Reading A Brave New World: How to Manage Safety Hazards From Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

By Adam R. Young, Daniel R. Birnbaum, Matthew A. Sloan, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has announced new rules requiring a broad range of employers to electronically submit additional injury and illness information in 2024. 

Despite many delays and lawsuits from affected stakeholders, OSHA announced today that it will…

Continue Reading OSHA Expands Electronic Injury/Illness Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements