Responding to several points of concern regarding the use of face coverings in the workplace, OSHA issued detailed policy guidance supporting their use. Adding to its COVID-19 FAQs, OSHA posted an answer to the question, “Does wearing a medical/surgical
Workplace Safety and Health Law Blog
The Workplace Safety and Health Law Blog, published by Fisher Phillips LLP, focuses on legal developments and compliance issues related to workplace safety and health regulations. It covers topics such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections, penalties, and enforcement actions, including updates on maximum penalty adjustments and site-specific targeting inspection plans. The blog also addresses emerging regulatory standards, such as potential COVID-19 workplace safety requirements, and changes in leadership and policy direction at agencies like the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). It provides guidance on employer obligations, risk management, and legal strategies to navigate workplace safety laws.
Latest from Workplace Safety and Health Law Blog - Page 2
Fall Protection During a Pandemic
Fall protection in construction is one of the most cited OSHA standards across all industries, with fall protection training in construction being the eighth most-cited. More importantly, falls constitute more than a third of construction deaths, dwarfing the next three…
COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Legislation: Time To Revisit Occupational Diseases
By Jerry Cline
Due to the risk of COVID-19 exposure at the workplace, many states have enacted legislation to include the contraction of COVID-19 as a compensable workers’ compensation “occupational disease.” Just what is an “occupational disease,” how does it differ from other…
Delivering Flexibility And Efficiency, The FMCSA Revises Hours Of Service Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently released a Final Rule on Hours of Service Drivers, revising its current regulations to provide drivers with more flexibility. By expanding existing exceptions and relaxing requirements, this new rule will make it easier…
OSHA Will Increase In-Person Inspections As Part Of Revised COVID-19 Enforcement Plan
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently announced that OSHA area offices will begin to increase in-person inspections in some parts of the country as the agency released a revised response plan on how it will handle COVID-19-related complaints, referrals,…
New Mine Safety Bill Introduced to Force MSHA Action on COVID-19
A group of U.S. Senators have joined the United Mine Workers of America call for MSHA action by introducing a new mine safety bill. The proposed Mine Worker Protection Act – which would require the agency to issue an Emergency…
What Mine Operators Can Expect after the Pandemic: MSHA Will Soon Push Its Regulatory Agenda
As the country begins to reopen, many mine operators are contemplating next steps for their own operations. One certainty is that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will continue to enforce the provisions of the Mine Act and relevant…
Kentucky OSHA is Shutting Down Employers for Lack of Social Distancing
By Todd Logsdon
Kentucky OSHA (KOSH) has been tasked with enforcing Governor Beshear’s Executive Orders (EO) regarding essential businesses and social distancing.
What You Need To Know About Kentucky OSHA’s Proposed Injury and Illness Reporting Rule Change
The Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Department of Workplace Standards released its proposed amendments to its injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements on February 11, 2020. A public hearing on these amendments was set to be heard today at the Kentucky…
OSHA Inspectors Will Consider Employers’ Good Faith Efforts To Comply With COVID-19 Safety Standards
In light of the strain that COVID-19 has put on many employers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just released an Enforcement Memo that allows Area Offices to assess an employer’s good faith efforts to comply with certain standards.…