Workplace Safety and Environmental Law Alert Blog

Latest from Workplace Safety and Environmental Law Alert Blog - Page 7

By Ilana MoradyPatrick D. Joyce, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: This week the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an order revising COVID-19 definitions and procedures. Because the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 standard incorporates by reference certain CDPH definitions, the CDPH order impacts what the regulated community needs

By James L. CurtisAdam R. Young, Melissa A. Ortega, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Bureau of Labor statistics addresses the rise in worker deaths in 2022, and expected data for 2023.

This week’s announcement by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a 5.7 percent increase in fatal occupational injuries nationally. 

By Adam R. Young

Seyfarth Synopsis: Cal/OSHA’s Standards Board approved the Division’s revisions to the silica standard on an emergency basis, requiring a regulated area, PPE, and air monitoring for any workplace with a stone or tile cutting task. The regulations go into effect on December 29, 2023.

Recent stories from the LA Times have noted

By Adam R. YoungJames L. CurtisMelissa A. OrtegaPatrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA Region V last week provided a Webinar on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (“OSHA”) national emphasis program (“NEP”) to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers, and high-risk retail

By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The State of  Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Cannabis – State Emphasis Program (SEP) (August 28, 2023) was established to address safety and health hazards associated with the growing, harvesting, and processing of recreational cannabis (marijuana).

Marijuana is a booming business, in Michigan

By Adam R. YoungA. Scott Hecker, Daniel R. BirnbaumJames L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Resources and laws supporting best practices to ensure commercial motor vehicle (“CMV”) driver safety include CDC-NIOSH guidance, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (“STAA”), and OSHA’s Fatigue Rule. 49 CFR § 392.3 – Ill

By Adam R. YoungMelissa A. Ortega, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has put out a reminder to employers on winter weather Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements on how to design an effective PPE program. Employers must provide PPE, to protect workers’ safety, and health.

As winter returns and brings with it

By Adam R. YoungA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. JoyceDaniel R. Birnbaum and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Here we go again. The impending federal government shutdown may suspend many enforcement and consultation functions of the United States Department of Labor, including OSHA.

The federal government is currently funded through November 17,

By  A. Scott HeckerAdam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Mine Safety and Health Administration “remains troubled by the fact that our impact inspections continue to discover the same hazards we’ve identified as root causes for fatal accidents and that we know can cause serious occupational illnesses,” says MSHA Assistant Secretary