OSHA is surely bracing for new oversight as the new Congress gets down to business. Who will be the key players? What oversight and enforcement pressures will OSHA face? New people, new priorities, and new legislative initiatives are already here.
OSHA
Reminder: You must submit your OSHA Form 300A by Saturday, March 2nd!
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
Public service announcement: Saturday is your last day to submit electronically to OSHA your 2018 OSHA Form 300A – the annual summary of injuries and illnesses at your workplaces. What’s this all about? Read on…
OSHA penalties are going up. Repeats will cost up to $132,598 in 2019.
By Donna Pryor on
Posted in OSHA
As of the end of last month, OSHA citations will cost you more. The Department of Labor published the official version of the Final Rule for the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustment for 2019, which adjusts civil penalties for inflation. Federal law requires the annual adjustment to occur each year by January 15th. This year’s publication was delayed due to the partial government shutdown.
Clearing up confusion on OSHA’s safety incentive program policy (the “pizza party” rule)
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in OSHA, Rulemaking news
Based on questions we’ve fielded from clients, it seems many are understandably unsure what OSHA’s current position is on safety incentive programs. Here’s a quick rehash to clear it all up.
Countdown to 2019 NSSGA AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, February 12-13, in Indianapolis
By Jeff Ramsey on
Next week – on February 12 and 13 – Husch Blackwell attorneys Erik Dullea, Phil Bower, Avi Meyerstein, Hal Perloff and Brian Waagner will be presenting at the 2019 NSSGA AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo in Indianapolis on a number of topics. Please join us if you are at the event.
Top 10 questions (and answers) about OSHA’s new record-keeping rule
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in OSHA, Rulemaking news
Last week, the years-long saga of OSHA’s 2016 injury and illness record-keeping rule took another turn, leaving many employers confused about what injury records they must submit to OSHA. In this quick-and-easy FAQ, we clear up the confusion with answers to the top 10 questions about OSHA’s new injury and illness records rule.
Nominees for safety agencies OSHA and FMSHRC sent back to the Senate. Will they pass (and when)?
By Avi Meyerstein on
The White House has re-nominated several safety agency nominees, whose nominations expired when the last Congress adjourned. These include Scott Mugno, nominated to serve as OSHA’s leader, and three nominees to be judges on the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC).
Cannabis infused-product manufacturer cited by Cal/OSHA
By Donna Pryor on
Posted in Enforcement updates, OSHA
Can OSHA inspect cannabis facilities? Some cannabis cultivators and manufacturers believe they are exempt from OSHA visits because the Federal government does not recognize cannabis as a legal drug. According to a recent case in California, the government disagrees.
What to expect in workplace safety in 2019
By Avi Meyerstein on
As the calendar pages turn over to a new year, many wonder what to expect from workplace safety and its regulators in 2019. Here’s our run-down of 8 key areas where we expect to see action in the months ahead.
Will OIG report lead to greater OSHA and MSHA enforcement?
By Avi Meyerstein on
A report at the end of last year by DOL’s Office of Inspector General highlights what OIG considers major challenges for OSHA and MSHA in fulfilling their missions. The report also provides a window into where the workplace safety agencies may focus their energies in 2019 – and where employers may face increased risks of enforcement and other liability.