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?

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.
Prepare for additional dust scrutiny
MSHA may have its eyes on respirable dust. A focus on coal dust in recent years may be shifting to include silica. What started as a concern primarily in coal mines may soon lead to stricter rules and enforcement that affect both coal and metal/non-metal operators.
Prepare for additional coal dust scrutiny
With congressional, media, and MSHA pressure to focus on black lung disease, mine operators should expect stringent enforcement of coal dust standards and potentially new regulation, as well. In the latest edition of Coal Age magazine, I take a look at the latest developments and offer some thoughts on how MSHA may respond.
Yes, OSHA violations can send you to jail
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.
What fatal accidents are on the rise in OSHA Region VII?
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?
New Metal/Nonmetal Workplace Exam Rule Goes into Effect Tomorrow
Yesterday we attended one of the last MSHA Stakeholders Meetings regarding the new Metal/Nonmetal workplace exam rule. In case you were unable to attend any of the meetings, the PowerPoint presented at the sessions can be found here. The Inspector training and Frequently Asked Questions document prepared by the agency are also available on…
In healthcare worker safety, California leads the way
In the last two months, the healthcare industry has seen both federal and state efforts to further regulate healthcare worker safety. Stakeholders and other jurisdictions are keeping an eye on these developments, which could spread to other states, as well.
What effect does the government shutdown have on OSHA and MSHA enforcement?
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?
OSHA staffing ups and downs – what could it mean for employers?
Part of the Trump administration’s political platform was to shrink the size of the federal government that is not involved in defense and security. As that trickles down to OSHA, what will fewer compliance officers mean for you?
FAA calls for Unmanned Aircraft System (aka drone) pilots to wear safety vests!
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.