September 1, 2023

Inspection guidelines update, court upholds rulemaking authority and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA is accepting comments on a proposed rule that would let employees designate someone who doesn’t work for their employer to represent them during an OSHA walkaround inspection. The proposed rule also clarifies that third-party representatives are not limited to industrial hygienists or safety engineers. Comments must be submitted by October 30, 2023.

OSHA's rulemaking authority upheld by appeals court

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court has rejected a challenge to OSHA's broad rulemaking authority. The divided court ruled that the 1970 law that gives OSHA its powers is valid because it limits the agency's oversight to matters of workplace safety and establishes principles for adopting safety standards.

Studies, resources, trends, news

OH&S webinar on emergency response teams

Occupational Health & Safety Magazine is hosting a webinar next week to discuss having an in-house emergency response team (ERT). The webcast will examine how to determine if you need an in-house team, the pros and cons of having one and the training requirements needed for ERT members. The webinar is scheduled for September 7.