By Adam R. YoungA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is shifting its COVID-19 isolation guidance, advising that COVID-positive individuals no longer need to isolate once they have been fever-free for 24 hours and their symptoms are mild or improving

Continue Reading CDC Trims COVID-19 Isolation Guidance: COVID-Positive Individuals Need Only Isolate for 24 Hours After Being Fever-Free

By Adam R. YoungMark A. Lies, IIA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. JoyceJames L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: While the Solicitors at the Department of Labor (DOL) only litigate civil OSHA citations, DOL has announced enhanced coordination with criminal law enforcement for employers’ representatives in fatality cases. Criminal matters often involve highly resource intensive work that involves

Continue Reading Supervisors Be Warned: OSHA Announces Enhanced Criminal Enforcement Coordination

By James L. CurtisAdam R. YoungMelissa A. Ortega, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Bureau of Labor statistics addresses the rise in worker deaths in 2022, and expected data for 2023.

This week’s announcement by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a 5.7 percent increase in fatal occupational injuries nationally.  African-American

Continue Reading OSHA Reports 5,486 Occupational Fatalities in 2022, with Disproportionate Fatality Increases for African-American and Hispanic Workers

By Adam R. YoungJames L. CurtisMelissa A. OrtegaPatrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA Region V last week provided a Webinar on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (“OSHA”) national emphasis program (“NEP”) to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments.

Since its announcement

Continue Reading OSHA Webinar and Materials on National Emphasis Program Aimed at Reducing and Preventing Workplace Hazards in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: The State of  Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Cannabis – State Emphasis Program (SEP) (August 28, 2023) was established to address safety and health hazards associated with the growing, harvesting, and processing of recreational cannabis (marijuana).

Marijuana is a booming business, in Michigan and nationally.  In November 2018

Continue Reading Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Cannabis – State Emphasis Program

By Adam R. YoungMelissa A. Ortega, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has put out a reminder to employers on winter weather Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements on how to design an effective PPE program. Employers must provide PPE, to protect workers’ safety, and health.

As winter returns and brings with it cold temperatures, ice

Continue Reading ‘Tis the Season: OSHA Reminds Employers to Keep Employees Safe in the Cold

By Adam R. YoungMelissa A. Ortega, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA has put out a reminder to employers on winter weather Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements on how to design an effective PPE program. Employers must provide PPE, to protect workers’ safety, and health.

As winter returns and brings with it cold temperatures, ice

Continue Reading ‘Tis the Season: OSHA Reminds Employers to Keep Employees Safe in the Cold

By Ilana Morady, Brian Gillis, Clara Rademacher, Patrick D. Joyce, and Bradley Doucette

Seyfarth Synopsis: Senate Bill 553, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, requires nearly all employers in the State of California to prepare a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, train employees on how to identify and avoid workplace violence, and maintain a violent incident log by July

Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention Plans Required For California Employers by July 2024

By Adam R. YoungMark A. Lies, II, and A. Scott Hecker

Seyfarth Synopsis: Most employers understand that they are required to report serious injuries and illnesses to OSHA shortly after they occur. Even employers in low hazard industries who are not required to keep written OSHA records still face reporting obligations.

Federal OSHA regulations require employers

Continue Reading OSHA Injury and Illness Reporting: What Employers Need to Know

By James L. Curtis, Brent I. ClarkAdam R. YoungA. Scott HeckerPatrick D. Joyce, Benjamin D. Briggs, Mark A. LiesDaniel R. Birnbaum, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that OSHA has issued a heat hazard alert to “remind employers of their

Continue Reading OSHA Issues Heat Hazard Alert Reminding Employers to Protect Workers Against Heat Illness and Injury – States are Following Suit