OSHA Insights Blog
Proposed OSHA Standard Targets Heat Hazards
After years and years of trying, OSHA has finally introduced a proposed rule/standard aimed at mitigating heat-related risks in the workplace. Pursuant to the rule, employers in all industries are required to develop injury and illness prevention plans for heat...
Stay Informed on OSHA’s Updated Hazard Communication Standard
OSHA has announced a final rule updating its Hazard Communication Standard (again), effective July 19, 2024. Here is a breakdown of what businesses need to know: Changes in the Updated Hazard Communication Standard 1) Comprehensive Labeling on Small Packaging Labels...
OSHA’s New Emphasis on the Southern States
OSHA recently announced its plans to restructure its regional operations and establish a new regional office in Birmingham, with the intention of establishing a stronghold in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida....
Navigating OSHA’s Enhanced Heat-Related Oversight
As we move into the warmer months, it is crucial for businesses to be aware of OSHA’s focus on heat-related workplace issues and its continued effort to adopt specific OSHA standards relating to heat—which currently do not exist. These efforts are part of the agency's...
Understanding The Risks of OSHA’s 2023 Public Data Disclosure
On April 18, 2024, OSHA released its injury and illness data from 2023 that it gathered under its “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses” regulation published July 2023. This regulation exposes businesses to new risks, with OSHA relying on the data to...
OSHA’s “New” Rule on Employee Representation: A Gateway for Outside Access
The Department of Labor announced a “new” rule expressly allowing employees to authorize any representative--including union representatives and outside attorneys, amongst others--to represent them and accompany OSHA officers during OSHA inspections. This rule, set to...
US Department of Labor Announces Annual Adjustments to OSHA Civil Penalties for 2024
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the annual increases to their fine schedule for 2024. These changes took effect on January 16th, 2024. The increases follow the 2015 Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act to...
OSHA’s Proposed Expansion in Emergency Responder Safety
OSHA has announced its proposal to overhaul and expand protections for emergency responders. The proposed "Emergency Response" standard will issue in early 2024 and will replace the current "Fire Brigades" standard, as OSHA contends that the current regulations are...
OSHA’s Shift From Hard Hats to Safety Helmets Should Raise Concern for Employers
OSHA recently announced a significant change in its head protection policy, and is transitioning from traditional hard hats to safety helmets for its employees. This move is more than just an internal policy shift, and signals a broader push that will soon affect all...
OSHA—Critical Updates for 2023 & 2024
OSHA has been particularly busy and aggressive lately, making good on Biden Administration promises and talking points—hiring more inspectors, appointing new administrators, conducting more inspections, aggressively issuing citations, adopting and expanding emphasis...