By James L. Curtis, Daniel Birnbaum, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: NIOSH reiterated last week that healthcare workers are exposed to a wide range of hazards on the job and healthcare employers may not be following best practices to protect against these hazards.
Healthcare is the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 18 million
Continue Reading Nothing to Sneeze At: Evaluating Employee Safety Protections in the Healthcare Industry
By Benjamin D. Briggs, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: In a challenge brought by trade associations for the farm supply and fertilizer industries, the D.C. Circuit vacates OSHA memorandum narrowing the retail exemption from the PSM standard.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently ruled against OSHA on
Continue Reading DC Circuit Finds OSHA “Interpretation” Narrowing Retail Exemption Under the Process Safety Management Standard Really a “Standard” Subject to Rulemaking Process
By Benjamin D. Briggs, Adam R. Young, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: The Tenth Circuit held that a trucking company unlawfully retaliated against a truck driver after he abandoned a trailer on a public highway, finding that his actions constituted a protected refusal to operate a vehicle in unsafe conditions.
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
Continue Reading Tenth Circuit Orders Truck Driver Who Abandoned Trailer on Interstate Highway to be Reinstated with Backpay
By Adam R. Young, Kylie Byron, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: NIOSH releases a comprehensive training curriculum that home healthcare employers can use to minimize safety risks and prevent OSHA citations.
We had blogged previously about OSHA’s “Strategies and Tools” to “Help Prevent” Workplace Violence in the Healthcare Setting. Now the National Institute for Occupational
Continue Reading NIOSH Offers Free Training Program to Help Employers Address Safety Risks Faced by Home Healthcare Workers
By James L. Curtis and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: DHS’s recommendations for active shooter prevention and preparedness is only one piece of an effective workplace violence prevention program. Employers should assess their workplaces and develop comprehensive workplace violence prevention programs and training.
With the wave of violence that has gripped the nation this summer, many clients are again asking
Continue Reading Wave of Shootings Puts Workplace Violence Back in the Spotlight
By Parnian Vafaeenia and Karla Grossenbacher
Seyfarth Synopsis: Pokémon GO’s popularity is at a fever pitch. However, the game poses several risks for employers including software security, privacy and workplace safety concerns.
Your employees may be on a quest to catch ‘em all. Over 15 million people have downloaded the Pokémon GO game since its release two weeks ago.
Continue Reading Pokémon NO: New App Creates Risks For Employers
By Adam R. Young and Craig B. Simonsen
Violence, often involving firearms, is an increasingly common occurrence in the 21st century workplace. The Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that even though homicide is “the most publicized form of violence in the workplace, it is not the most common.”
The FBI defines workplace violence as “any physical assault, threatening behavior or
Continue Reading Workplace Violence Prevention: DHS Promotes “Active Shooter Preparedness” Programs – Is Your Company Ready?
By Kerry M. Mohan and Craig B. Simonsen
In a remarkable announcement, OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels has just issued a Decision on Referring Untimely 11(c) Complainants to the National Labor Relations Board (Decision), OM-14-60 (May 21, 2014).
This announcement comes just weeks after Dr. Michaels testified at a hearing before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment & Workplace Safety.
Continue Reading OSHA Decision to Refer “Untimely 11(c) Complaints” to the NLRB