Seyfarth Synopsis: States continue to strike down restrictions and expand gun access, requiring employer vigilance to comply with the law and protect employees from workplace violence hazards.
Employers have been alarmed by an increase in workplace violence over the last ten years, particularly in health care. The prevalence of active shooters in workplace (and decline
Seyfarth Synopsis: Newly-confirmed member on Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission offers hope for eventual resolutions of pending cases.
On October 10, 2025, the Senate confirmed Jonathan L. Snare to serve as a Commissioner of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), filling one of the long-vacant seats on the three-member appellate panel for
Seyfarth Synopsis: David Keeling’s confirmation as OSHA Chief could give regulatory and enforcement direction to OSHA when federal government funding is restored, likely moving the agency towards enhanced collaboration with industry and refocusing of enforcement priorities.
Senate Confirms Keeling
On October 6, 2025, as part of a larger confirmation of Trump appointees, the Senate
Seyfarth Synopsis: Despite Congress failing to fund the federal government, the Department of Labor and OSHA will continue to operate with a skeleton crew. Citations will still be issued, deadlines remain in effect, and employers must report serious injuries and fatalities.
OSHA Furloughed Most Staff
On October 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown
Introduction
OSHA duty officers around the country routinely field complaints from employees and labor unions alleging workplaces are understaffed and unsafe. Unions often dispute staffing levels, complaining that employers have insufficient bargaining unit members and insufficient members with seniority. Individual complainants allege that they are left to work alone, have no backup in case of
Seyfarth Synopsis: Oregon OSHA institutes program for comprehensive follow-up inspections based on an employer’s violation history, which necessitates employer care during inspections and negotiation of settlements.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 592 into law in 2023, requiring Oregon OSHA to increase penalties and implement a program for follow-up inspections for significant citations. In
The Trump Administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal includes big cuts for OSHA. The Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional Budget Justification is available here. The plan includes an 8% overall budget cut to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The proposed budget would reduce OSHA’s funding from $632.3 million in FY 2025 to $582.4
Seyfarth Synopsis: On Thursday, June 5, 2025, OSHA Nominee David Keeling testified that he plans to adopt a more cooperative, proactive approach and pursue a new workplace violence regulation.
As we previously blogged, on February 11, 2025, President Trump nominated David Keeling as Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, pending Senate confirmation. In the
By: Adam R. Young, Mark A. Lies, II, and Bret W.Vetter
1. Introduction
The ubiquity of smartphones and sensitive security cameras have made audio recording in the workplace more common. Some may be accidental, while other recordings may be intentional attempts document workplace conversations in secret. Both types of recordings can constitute felony
On May 13, 2025, Cal/OSHA released a new discussion draft of its proposed regulation on Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry. This latest version updates the July 15, 2024 draft we previously blogged about, and reflects stakeholder input gathered through the advisory committee process.
Key Proposed Revisions
Confronting Suspected Criminals
One of the most