OSHA Requests Information on Potential Changes to Lockout/Tagout Standard Including Addressing Robotic Technology

By Trever L. Neuroth & Courtney M. Malveaux on May 21, 2019

OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout Standard at 29 C.F.R. 1910.147 regulates the control of exposure to unexpected energization during service and maintenance on machines or equipment. On May 18, 2019, OSHA issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking “information regarding two areas where modernizing the Lockout/Tagout standard might better promote worker safety without additional burdens to employers: control circuit type devices and robotics.” Control Circuit Type Devices OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard currently requires that all sources of energy, including…

OSHA Law Blog

The Hidden Costs of an OSHA Citation

By Courtney M. Malveaux on February 5, 2019

Congress took employers by surprise when it increased Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) penalties nearly 80 percent in 2016. Today, a Serious violation can fetch a maximum penalty of $13,260, and a Willful or Repeat violation can cost up to $132,598. Citations often include multiple items, which can multiply these figures. When construction companies or other industrial employers receive Serious citations, they often rush into an informal conference with OSHA, without considering potential legal…

OSHA Law Blog

U.S. House Committee to Focus on Workforce Protections

By Courtney M. Malveaux on January 24, 2019

Signaling a renewed emphasis on workforce protections at the opening of the 116th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives has changed the name of its committee with jurisdiction over labor matters back to the Committee on Education and Labor. It was called the Committee on Education and the Workforce when Republicans held the majority in the House. The Committee is headed by Chairman Robert C. Scott (D-Va.). Click here to read the full article.…

OSHA Law Blog

Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Continue to Decline

By Courtney M. Malveaux on November 26, 2018

Workplace safety is moving in the right direction, according to employers and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Based on an annual survey, BLS estimates that private industry employers had 45,800 fewer cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses among full-time employees in 2017 as compared to the year before. All measures – – including missed workdays, OSHA recordable incidents, injury-caused work restrictions – – have declined steadily this century. Employers had 2.8 total recordable cases…

OSHA Law Blog

OSHA to Use Electronic Recordkeeping Data to Target Specific Employers

By Courtney M. Malveaux on October 23, 2018

OSHA is beginning to use its electronic recordkeeping system to target inspections for employers. The agency launched a new initiative last week to focus enforcement resources on workplaces with a history of injuries and illnesses, but have not provided required data under its electronic recordkeeping rules. Announcing its Site-Specific Targeting 2016 (SST-16) Program, OSHA is focusing programmed inspections on general industry worksites. The program does not apply to the construction industry or to workplaces with…

Courtney M. Malveaux

OSHA Requests Information on Potential Changes to Lockout/Tagout Standard Including Addressing Robotic Technology

The Hidden Costs of an OSHA Citation

U.S. House Committee to Focus on Workforce Protections

Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Continue to Decline

OSHA to Use Electronic Recordkeeping Data to Target Specific Employers

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