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By Adam R. Young, Kylie Byron, and Craig B. Simonsen

shutterstock_178475264Seyfarth Synopsis: NIOSH releases a comprehensive training curriculum that home healthcare employers can use to minimize safety risks and prevent OSHA citations.

We had blogged previously about OSHA’s “Strategies and Tools” to “Help Prevent” Workplace Violence in the Healthcare Setting. Now the National Institute for Occupational…
Continue Reading NIOSH Offers Free Training Program to Help Employers Address Safety Risks Faced by Home Healthcare Workers

By Parnian Vafaeenia and Karla Grossenbacher

KRS IMG_0325-RevSeyfarth Synopsis: Pokémon GO’s popularity is at a fever pitch. However, the game poses several risks for employers including software security, privacy and workplace safety concerns.

Your employees may be on a quest to catch ‘em all. Over 15 million people have downloaded the Pokémon GO game since its release two weeks ago. …
Continue Reading Pokémon NO: New App Creates Risks For Employers

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 Benjamin D. Briggs and Adam R. Young

Mosquito sucking blood from people.Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA Interim Guidance recommends that all employers develop and implement policies to deal with Zika virus.

What is Zika?

The Zika virus disease (Zika) primarily is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.  The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).  While some…
Continue Reading Zika Virus Spreading to United States: OSHA Provides Recommendations

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 Andrew H. Perellis and Craig B. Simonsen

Power Lines and Pulp Mill PollutionThe U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has just issued a report on Critical Infrastructure Protection with a finding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) action is needed to verify chemical facility information and to better manage its compliance process. Report to Congress, GAO-15-614 (July 2015).

Risk Level for Facilities

The Report states…
Continue Reading DHS Chemical Facilities Take Note GAO Suggested Need For Enhanced Enforcement

By Ilana R. Morady and Craig B. Simonsen

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has just issued a notice and request for comment on “The Impact of Driver Compensation on Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety.” 80 Fed. Reg. 6159 (February 4, 2015).

The FMCSA has been studying the relationship between commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver compensation and safety. The most…
Continue Reading Impact of Driver Compensation on Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

By Wan Li, Brent I. Clark, and Craig B. Simonsen
According to Cai Renjun, an official from the People’s Republic of China, Legislative Affairs Commission, of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, “about 70,000 people died in work safety cases last year, [with] about 60,000 of them in road accidents.” Policy Watch, China Daily (August 26, 2014).
Continue Reading International Employers Watch Out: China Will Assign Hefty Fines for Worker Safety Violations

By Ilana R. Morady, Meagan Newman, and Craig B. Simonsen

The EPA, in an effort to expand the number of chemicals and functional-use categories on its  Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL), is inviting chemical manufacturers to submit their chemicals for review and listing.

The SCIL includes chemicals that have met EPA safety criteria developed by the Design for the …
Continue Reading EPA Wants Your Chemicals to be Designated as Safer Chemical Ingredients

By Kevin A. Fritz and Craig B. Simonsen

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently published an Advisory Bulletin (ADB–2014–05) and a “Guidance for Strengthening Pipeline Safety Through Rigorous Program Evaluation and Meaningful Metrics” (Guidance). Notice of Issuance of Advisory Bulletin, 79 Fed. Reg. 61937 (October 15, 2014).

PHMSA rules require operator self‐evaluation as part of an “effective…
Continue Reading PHMSA Issues Guidance for Strengthening Pipeline Safety Through “Rigorous Program Evaluation and Meaningful Metrics”