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

By Patrick D. Joyce, Brent I. ClarkJames L. CurtisAdam R. Young, Ilana R. Morady, A. Scott Hecker, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: This week, the State of Oregon issued a final COVID-19 worker protection standard, replacing its temporary rule adopted six months ago. The final rule, effective on May
Continue Reading Oregon Finalizes COVID-19 Worker Safety Rules

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

Seyfarth Synopsis: Oregon became the first state to decriminalize the personal possession of illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and methamphetamine.

Oregon voters passed Measure 110 last week by a wide margin. The ballot measure reclassified possession of small amounts of a list of hard drugs as
Continue Reading Oregon Decriminalizes Hard Drug Possession

By A. Scott Hecker, Brent I. ClarkPatrick D. Joyce, and Adam R. Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: Oregon OSHA finalized its COVID-19 temporary rule, OAR 437-001-0744, Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks, on November 6, 2020, with most provisions effective as of November 16, 2020; the rule sunsets on May 4, 2021.  The temporary rule applies to all workplaces
Continue Reading Oregon OSHA Issues COVID-19 Temporary Rule