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On August 13, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its guidance to employers in the ongoing effort to protect workers from the coronavirus. The update, available here, was based upon recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relating to the virus including addressing the more virulent Delta variant.  The CDC’s recommendations include: Fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmissio

With the western United States experiencing an unprecedented heat wave and the mild summer temperatures in Texas coming to an end, the construction industry is particularly at risk for heat-related injuries.  What standards does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issue for working in hot environments?  The simple answer is, none. But the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) imposes a duty on employers to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace.  Heat-related hazards are one such hazard. OSHA Classifications Although OSHA does not have a

One day after he was inaugurated, President Joe Biden followed through on a campaign promise to labor unions by ordering the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to begin the process of developing COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) for employers. OSHA responded by issuing new non-binding guidance on mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Any potential ETS that OSHA deems necessary must be adopted by March 15th. If OSHA chooses to issue ETS, the standards would take effect immediately and last no longer than six months, unless they are event

Though it is sometimes hard to imagine as we suffer through the worst of COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 will likely usher in the full reopening of more businesses and office spaces. Coinciding with this milestone event, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will soon be increasing workplace inspections and carrying out in-person enforcement of coronavirus-related guidance The Congressional 2021 budget suggests that an additional $12.7 million in funding will go toward hiring more OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers to facilitate the increase in inspections. Based on OSHA’s

All businesses and workplaces, including construction sites, are subject to periodic inspections by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more commonly known as OSHA. Violations of OSHA standards may come at a price as inspections can result in a citation for a violation of an OSHA standard and oftentimes, costly civil penalties which accompany certain types of citations. A variety of events can trigger an OSHA inspector to visit your worksite including, employee complaints, referrals, targeted inspections, follow-up inspections, potential hazards at your work site that an inspect