By Adam R. YoungPatrick D. Joyce, Matthew A. Sloan, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of fatal work injuries in 2020 was the lowest since 2013.

There were 4,764 fatal work injuries recorded in the United States in 2020, a 10.7% decrease from 5,333
Continue Reading New BLS Data Show Major Hazards Causing Occupational Fatalities in 2020

By Brent I. Clark, Mark A. Lies, IIAdam R. Young, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The CDC published guidance aimed at assisting retail and service companies in limiting workplace violence against or involving their employees that may be associated with enforcing face mask mandates and other COVID-19 precautions.

On March
Continue Reading CDC Guidance on Workplace Violence in Retail Associated with COVID-19, Customer Face Mask Enforcement

By James L. CurtisMark A. Lies, IIAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: In its introduction to its New Active shooter training materials, the Illinois State Police note that “civilians that are present at any given incident are the true first responders.”

The Illinois State Police (ISP) have developed and are making
Continue Reading Illinois State Police Provide Training on Active Shooter, Workplace Violence

By James L. Curtis, Daniel R. Birnbaum, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: With the seemingly random workplace violence that continues unabated, many employers are again asking how best to protect their employees.

We had blogged previously about “Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?”  In addition, we blogged
Continue Reading Workplace Violence and Shootings in the Spotlight

By Brent I. ClarkAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has found a seven percent increase in 2016 fatal injuries reported over those reported in 2015. BLS noted that this was the third consecutive increase in annual workplace fatalities.  The statistics show an ongoing struggle for employers with
Continue Reading Transportation and Workplace Violence Stand Out in Census of 2016 Fatal Occupational Injuries

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 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 and Craig B. Simonsen

PSM Blog PicOSHA has just published a Standard Interpretation (Interpretation) to provide guidance on the enforcement of the Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard’s “recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices” (RAGAGEP) requirements, including how to interpret “shall” and “should”  language in published codes, standards, published technical reports, recommended practices, and similar documents.

According to
Continue Reading OSHA Interpretation on Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices in Process Safety Management

By Patrick D. Joyce and Craig B. Simonsen

This week at the U.N. Climate Change Summit in New York City, President Barack Obama, joined by leaders from more than 120 countries from around the globe, announced his Executive Order on Climate-Resilient International Development. 79 Fed. Reg. 58231 (September 26, 2014).

The Executive Order directs all federal agencies to factor climate
Continue Reading President Issues Executive Order on Climate-Resilient International Development

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

The teenage summer job working at the local store is a rite of passage in most communities. Almost everyone has held a summer job at some point in their life.  However, given the disturbing rise in workplace violence, teenagers can be swept up in hostile situations and end up facing down angry,
Continue Reading OSHA Administrator Blogs on Retail Industry’s Need for Workplace Violence Training and Protections