By Brent I. Clark, Kay R. Bonza, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis:  OSHA recently updated its National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries (NEP), adding a targeting methodology for industries with high employer-reported amputation statistics. Instruction CPL 03-00-022 (Dec. 10, 2019).

We had previously blogged about the previous 2015 update, OSHA Updates Emphasis Program on
Continue Reading OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries

By James L. Curtis, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis:  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its annual National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (National Census), concluding that the fatal work injury rate in 2018 remained at 3.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. 

Commenting on the BLS National Census,
Continue Reading National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Released

By James L. Curtis, Mark A. Lies, IIMatthew A. SloanAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis:  Recently the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill with bipartisan support that would require the Department of Labor to promulgate an OSHA standard specifically aimed at protecting healthcare and social service workers from workplace violence.
Continue Reading House Passes Legislation on Workplace Violence in Healthcare and Social Assistance

By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has just updated its “Protecting Temporary Workers” website, for staffing agencies and their clients (i.e., host employers). The page reminds these employers that they are jointly responsible for a  temporary employee’s safety and health .

We have blogged previously about OSHA’s enforcement activities and guidance documents
Continue Reading OSHA Releases Two New Temporary Worker Guidance Documents

By Joshua M. Henderson, Ilana R. Morady, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis:  CalOSHA emergency regulation for workers exposed to wildfire smoke..

With wildfires now active in many parts of California, it’s important that employers in California remember Cal/OSHA’s emergency regulation, Protection from Wildfire Smoke, Section 5141.1, that applies to outdoor workers and workers in semi-indoor
Continue Reading Reminder — Cal/OSHA Emergency Regulation to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke Now in Effect

By Benjamin D. Briggs, Joshua M. HendersonPatrick D. JoyceAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis:  The Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC), part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has identified new safety hazards from the expanding nanotechnology industry.

We have previously blogged on future issues related to the
Continue Reading Future Enterprises: New Safety Hazards from Nanotechnology Materials and Processes on the Horizon

By Joshua M. Henderson, Ilana R. Morady, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Cal/OSHA’s new emergency regulation for workers exposed to wildfire smoke creates new obligations for many employers.

An emergency regulation on Protection from Wildfire Smoke applies to outdoor workers and to workers in semi-indoor places. Examples include day laborers, agricultural workers, landscapers, construction workers, and
Continue Reading New Cal/OSHA Emergency Regulation to Protect Workers from Wildfire Smoke

By James L. Curtis, Daniel R. BirnbaumPatrick D. JoyceMatthew A. Sloan, and Adam R. Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: The growth of the gig economy has transformed the modern workforce and upended traditional models for developing a workplace safety culture and worker safety training.  New and inexperienced workers confront evolving safety hazards.  Given this transformed
Continue Reading Workplace Safety in the Gig Economy: New Hazards and Liabilities

By Mark A. Lies, II, Brent I. Clark Adam R. YoungPatrick D. Joyce, Matthew A. Sloan, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis:  In recent decisions—including Secretary of Labor v. Integra Health Management, Inc., No. 13-1124 (OSHRC Mar. 4, 2019)—the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) has upheld violations of the General Duty
Continue Reading Commission Decisions Confirm that Employers Must Take Action to Protect Employees from Workplace Violence

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

Seyfarth Synopsis: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently released its Behind the Wheel at Work Newsletter with the “latest news from the NIOSH Center for Motor Vehicle Safety.”   

We have blogged previously that NIOSH, in its Science Blog, has related that
Continue Reading NIOSH Releases Behind the Wheel at Work Newsletter on Motor Vehicle Safety