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Seyfarth Synopsis: On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, a panel from Seyfarth’s Workplace Safety team will lead an interactive Breakfast Briefing on OSHA regulation and enforcement. 

One year into the Trump Administration, employers’ expectations for a more business-friendly Agency have not yet materialized, as the still-leaderless Agency proceeds ahead with widespread aggressive enforcement. The panel will address the new developments…
Continue Reading OSHA Trends and Developments: One Year into the Trump Administration

By Brent I. Clark, Ilana R. Morady, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: MSHA just announced its Final Rule on Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines. 83 Fed. Reg. 15055 (April 9, 2018).

The Final Rule, which will be effective on June 2, 2018, requires that:

  • Each working place be examined at least

…
Continue Reading Operators Beware! MSHA Issues Final Rule on Examinations of Working Places in Metal and Nonmetal Mines

By James L. Curtis, Benjamin D. Briggs, and Craig B. Simonsen

Employee Rights Employment Equality Job Business Commuter ConcepSeyfarth Synopsis: In a victory for employers, OSHA has rescinded its policy allowing union representatives to participate in OSHA inspections of non-union employers.

We blogged previously about OSHA’s 2013 standard interpretation guidance letter allowing workers in non-union workplaces to designate a union representative to act as…
Continue Reading OSHA Rescinds its Union Non-Employee “Walk-Around” Rights Interpretation

By Benjamin D. Briggs, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Employee Rights Employment Equality Job Business Commuter ConcepSeyfarth Synopsis: In a victory for employers, a Texas federal court has refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging an OSHA interpretation under which non-employee union representatives were permitted to participate in OSHA inspections of non-union employers.

We blogged previously about OSHA’s 2013 standard interpretation guidance letter…
Continue Reading Business Group Challenge to OSHA Interpretation Survives Motion to Dismiss and Leaves Serious Questions About Continued Viability of Interpretation

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Employee Rights Employment Equality Job Business Commuter ConcepSeyfarth Synopsis: Industry has sued to block OSHA’s efforts to give unions increased access to non-union worksites.

We had blogged previously about OSHA’s new standard interpretation guidance letter that would allow workers without a collective bargaining agreement to designate a union representative to act on their behalf as their “walk-around representative”…
Continue Reading OSHA Sued Over Employee Inspection Walk-Around Rights Interpretation

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

iStock_000041284206_MediumSeyfarth Synopsis: DHS’s recommendations for active shooter prevention and preparedness is only one piece of an effective workplace violence prevention program. Employers should assess their workplaces and develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs and training.

With the wave of violence that has gripped the nation this summer, many clients are again asking…
Continue Reading Wave of Shootings Puts Workplace Violence Back in the Spotlight

By Brent I. Clark and Ilana R. Morady

iStock_000009254156LargeSeyfarth Synopsis: The proposed MSHA rule would require mine operators to examine their mines and to notify miners of dangerous conditions.

MSHA announced today that it has formally submitted a proposed mine examination rule for publication in the June 8, 2016 Federal Register.  81 Fed. Reg. 36818.

The proposed…
Continue Reading MSHA Announces Proposed Rule on Mine Examinations

By Brent I. Clark and Ilana R. Morady

iStock_000076487827_LargeExpedited Hearings

A hot topic today is developments in the law of California OSHA (Cal-OSHA). Panel members are discussing the new and controversial rule on expedited proceedings under 8 CCR 373. Under the expedited proceedings rule, cases are put on a fast track when abatement has been appealed or abatement has not…
Continue Reading Update from the ABA OSHA Conference — Cal-OSHA Developments

By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen

Violence, often involving firearms, is an increasingly common occurrence in the 21st century workplace.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that even though homicide is “the most publicized form of violence in the workplace, it is not the most common.”

The FBI defines workplace violence as “any physical assault, threatening behavior or…
Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?

By Brent I. Clark, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Empty Hooks In A Meat Processing FactoryThe Occupational Safety & Health Administration recently issued its “Inspection Guidance for Poultry Slaughtering and Poultry Processing Establishments” (October 28, 2015).

OSHA explains in the Guidance that workers employed in the poultry industry may face many hazards, including high noise levels, dangerous equipment, musculoskeletal disorders,…
Continue Reading Careful: New Inspection Guidance for Poultry Processing Facilities