By Eric J. Conn, Head of the OSHA Group at Epstein Becker & Green OSHA is signaling a major departure from its position on acceptable exceptions to the Lockout/Tagout requirements in the agency’s electrical safety standards. Historically, employers have been permitted to conduct electrical maintenance near energized parts in data centers that host critical business… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: November 2011
Congress Accuses OSHA of Inserting Itself Into Hotel Labor Disputes
By Amanda Strainis-Walker OSHA’s recent string of hotel inspections in response to formal safety and health complaints filed by UNITE-HERE and others on behalf of hotel housekeepers is under serious scrutiny from the House of Representatives Subcommittee that oversees OSHA’s operations. OSHA leadership is defending its decision to inspect hotels, and is signaling that OSHA… Continue Reading
OSHA’s Primary Metals National Emphasis Program Begins
By Casey M. Cosentino and Eric J. Conn On June 2, 2011, OSHA launched an enforcement National Emphasis Program focused on employers and hazards in the Primary Metals Industries (“Primary Metals NEP”). Establishments in the primary metals industries are those involved in extracting and refining metals from rocks containing iron, lead, nickel, tin and other primary metals,… Continue Reading