On August 30, 2024, OSHA formally published its heat safety standard for indoor and outdoor work in the Federal Register, starting a 120-day public comment period.Continue Reading OSHA Publishes New Heat Safety Standard
Donna Pryor
A member of Husch Blackwell’s Energy & Natural Resources group, Donna focuses on commercial and administrative litigation related to mine safety and occupational safety and health. She also assists clients in crisis management and strategic communications related to workplace health and safety issues.
Donna has extensive experience in the production of precious metals, aggregates, cement, industrial minerals, coal, salt, potash, phosphate, granite, limestone, and oil and gas. She combines her legal skills and government knowledge with her litigation prowess for clients facing complex problems.
Understanding OSHA’s Proposed Heat Safety Regulations
On July 2, OSHA unveiled its proposed heat safety rule, currently awaiting official publication in the Federal Register. This rule aims to protect employees from heat-related injuries and illnesses by establishing comprehensive requirements for employers, as outlined in a White House Fact Sheet.
The proposed rule is part of broader effort by the Biden Administration to respond to the impacts of climate change. Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, the public is encouraged to submit written comments on the rule. Key rule provisions include:Continue Reading Understanding OSHA’s Proposed Heat Safety Regulations
OSHA Heat Standard Heads to White House for Review
OSHA has been working a proposed standard for indoor and outdoor heat illness since 2021. This month the proposed standard has been sent to the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review.
While the language of the proposed standard has not be released, the rule is expected to include temperatures that trigger requirements under the rule such as mandatory rest breaks. OSHA has previously stated the rules to protect workers from heat illness would be followed after the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue Reading OSHA Heat Standard Heads to White House for Review
MSHA Announces Stakeholder Meetings Regarding New Silica Rule
MSHA announced it will hold a series of stakeholder meetings across the country to share information about the final silica rule issued on April 18, 2024. The first two meetings are scheduled for Arlington, VA on July 10, 2024, and Beckley, WV on July 17, 2024, and will be both an in-person and an online…
OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard Creates New Requirements for Labeling, Classification, and SDS Access
On May 20, 2024, OSHA published finalized revisions to the Hazard Communication Standard (the “HazCom standard”). The HazCom standard is a commonly cited standard in OSHA inspections. The revisions to the rule address the amount and quality of information on labels and SDS and increase access to important hazard information for workers and first responders.…
MSHA Posts Template for Compliance with Surface Mobile Equipment Rule
MSHA has posted a template for compliance assistance with the Surface Mobile Equipment Rule. MSHA will begin to enforce the standard on July 17, 2024. The standard does not require operators to submit their plan to the agency, but the plans will be reviewed during inspections. As a reminder, your surface mobile equipment safety programs…
OSHA Finalizes Inspection Walkaround Rule
On March 29, 2024, OSHA released the final version of its new rule that could reshape future OSHA inspections.Continue Reading OSHA Finalizes Inspection Walkaround Rule
Announcing Fall MSHA Workshop in Denver: Understanding MSHA Litigation
The average mining operator now spends over $20,000 per year on citations and penalties. In this must-attend cost-savings workshop, learn how to reduce or eliminate fines—with the added benefit of improved safety conditions. In an era of increasing citations, this workshop will prepare you to handle Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors and challenge citations.Continue Reading Announcing Fall MSHA Workshop in Denver: Understanding MSHA Litigation
OSHA Injury and Illness Data Submission Due March 2, 2024
Remember injury and illness data must be reported to OSHA electronically by March 2, 2024. OSHA does not send out notifications or reminders to establishments to report injury and illness data (i.e., required data from the Form 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, Form 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, and Form 301 Injury and Illness Incident Report).Continue Reading OSHA Injury and Illness Data Submission Due March 2, 2024
OSHA Announces Preference for Safety Helmets over Hard Hats
On December 11, 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) announced that it will be “replacing traditional hard hats used by its employees with more modern safety helmets.” Continue Reading OSHA Announces Preference for Safety Helmets over Hard Hats