OSHA: The next 40 years?
On April 28, 2011, OSHA turned 40 years old. Is the agency suffering an early mid-life crisis?
Legal
Bill would curb permanent workers’ comp coverage for mental distress
Efforts are under way in several states to pass legislation that would lower companies’ workers’ comp costs. Police officers, firefighters and other first responders are opposing one bill under consideration in Maine.
OSHA fine hinges on whether painting is same as construction
If asked, most people could give definitions of construction and maintenance. But when it comes to OSHA regulations, things like definitions aren’t that simple.
1 year after death of 29 miners: What’s improved?
One year ago today, 29 miners died in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine in West Virginia, owned by Massey Energy. In the last 12 months, what’s been done to make sure a disaster like UBB never happens again?
Report: Feds considering manslaughter charges for BP
It’s almost one year since the oil well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 workers and caused the biggest offshore spill in U.S. history. A recent news report says the federal government is consolidating its efforts to bring criminal charges against the company and perhaps some of its managers.
How far back can OSHA look for recordkeeping violations?
A recent ruling by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) clarifies OSHA’s ability to fine companies for older recordkeeping violations.
Does a healthy workplace include no second-hand smoke?
OSHA’s General Duty Clause says employers have to furnish places of employment free from hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Does that include a smoke-free workplace? One casino faces a lawsuit.
U.S. Supreme Court passes on illegal immigrant workers’ comp case
Don’t look for the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether federal law preempts state laws requiring workers’ comp coverage for employees who are illegal immigrants.
OSHA ordered to pay company’s attorney fees for appeal of fine
How did a company successfully appeal a safety citation and get an administrative law judge (ALJ) to order OSHA to pay the employer’s attorney fees?
