Photo of Erik Dullea

As head of Husch Blackwell’s Cybersecurity practice group, Erik assists clients in all aspects of cybersecurity and information security compliance and data breach response. Erik previously served as the acting deputy associate general counsel for the National Security Agency’s cybersecurity practice group before returning to the firm in 2023.

An internal DOL memorandum last year to OSHA regional administrators confirms that OSHA can deploy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) otherwise referred to as “drones” equipped with cameras to assist with its enforcement and regulatory functions. What do employers need to know? How should you respond to a drone inspection?
Continue Reading Look! Up in the sky … it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s OSHA?

Can mis-steps with OSHA land you in jail? Several recent cases are a reminder that the risk is real. While OSHA rarely makes a criminal case out of safety violations, it does pursue criminal charges when people mislead the agency through false statements, falsified records, or destroyed documents. A company that does not take great care in handling an investigation risks such costly errors, leading to criminal prosecution and stiff penalties under federal law.
Continue Reading Yes, OSHA violations can send you to jail

Last month, OSHA’s administrator for Region VII issued a press release announcing the agency’s intention to counter the increase in work-related fatalities in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. During the current fiscal year (Oct17-Sep18), OSHA has investigated 34 fatalities in these states.  Sadly, that number has continued to rise in the weeks since the press release was issued.  What can we learn from this announcement?
Continue Reading What fatal accidents are on the rise in OSHA Region VII?

Everyone from political junkies to average citizens has an opinion on the January 2018 government shutdown, and some may have bets on its duration. However, while the government continues to flounder, the private sector economy continues to run. How does the shutdown affect OSHA and MSHA enforcement?
Continue Reading What effect does the government shutdown have on OSHA and MSHA enforcement?

Just in time for the holidays, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a new issue of its Information for Operators (InFO)[1] that pertains to Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations. InFOs convey valuable information intended to help operators meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Continue Reading FAA calls for Unmanned Aircraft System (aka drone) pilots to wear safety vests!