By A. Scott Hecker, Adam R. Young, Mark A. Lies, James L. Curtis, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: In U.S. Dep’t of Labor v. Tampa Elec. Co., the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit used common sense and reason to find the word “uncontrolled” is unambiguous and not
Continue Reading What a Whopper – Court Finds An “Uncontrolled” HAZWOPER Release Doesn’t Mean “Any Release, No Matter How Small”
By Mark A. Lies, II, Adam R. Young, James L. Curtis, and Benjamin D. Briggs
Seyfarth Synopsis: It is imperative that employers develop and implement organized and clearly communicated procedures for responding to a disaster. A well-planned and executed emergency response program will provide orderly procedures and prevent panic, thereby minimizing employee injuries and damage to
Continue Reading After the Rain: Disaster Recovery and Employee Safety Following Hurricane Harvey
By Brent I. Clark, Meagan Newman, and Craig B. Simonsen
OSHA has scheduled a meeting for “stakeholders” on its consideration of standards for emergency response and preparedness. 79 Fed. Reg. 32199 (June 4, 2014).
OSHA notes that emergency response is one of the most hazardous occupations in the U.S. To support a need for proposed rules OSHA references the
Continue Reading OSHA Considering Proposed Standards for Emergency Responders
By James L. Curtis and Meagan Newman
As much the East Coast of the U.S. is dealing with Hurricane Sandy it is important to keep in mind that the dangers of a storm of this magnitude persist long after the winds, rains and sleet have passed.
Storm and flood cleanup activities can present hazards to workers and volunteers. Before embarking
Continue Reading After the Storm: Clean-up is Hazardous so Plan Accordingly