By Adam R. Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: Cal/OSHA’s Standards Board approved the Division’s revisions to the silica standard on an emergency basis, requiring a regulated area, PPE, and air monitoring for any workplace with a stone or tile cutting task. The regulations go into effect on December 29, 2023.

Recent stories from the LA Times have noted California occupational silicosis cases

Continue Reading Cal/OSHA Approves Emergency Changes to the Silica Standard With Onerous New Requirements For Cutting Stone and Tile Products

By Adam R. YoungJames L. CurtisMelissa A. OrtegaPatrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA Region V last week provided a Webinar on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (“OSHA”) national emphasis program (“NEP”) to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments.

Since

Continue Reading OSHA Webinar and Materials on National Emphasis Program Aimed at Reducing and Preventing Workplace Hazards in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The State of  Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Cannabis – State Emphasis Program (SEP) (August 28, 2023) was established to address safety and health hazards associated with the growing, harvesting, and processing of recreational cannabis (marijuana).

Marijuana is a booming business, in Michigan and nationally.  In November 2018

Continue Reading Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Cannabis – State Emphasis Program

By Adam R. YoungMelissa A. Ortega, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has put out a reminder to employers on winter weather Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements on how to design an effective PPE program. Employers must provide PPE, to protect workers’ safety, and health.

As winter returns and brings with it cold temperatures, ice

Continue Reading ‘Tis the Season: OSHA Reminds Employers to Keep Employees Safe in the Cold

By Adam R. YoungA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. JoyceDaniel 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  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 MoradyBrian B. GillisClara RademacherPatrick 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 Matthew A. SloanA. Scott Hecker, Adam R. YoungPatrick D. Joyce, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The U.S. Department of Labor has announced notice and comment rulemaking as it seeks to revise its regulations regarding who can be authorized by employees to act as their representative to accompany OSHA

Continue Reading DOL Proposes Regulations Authorizing Union and Other Third-Party Representation of Employees During OSHA Inspections

By Adam R. Young, Daniel R. Birnbaum, Patrick D. Joyce, A. Scott Hecker, James L. Curtisand 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