Oregon OSHA Gets Okay on Ag Housing Rules

Oregon OSHA acted within its authority when it adopted rules bolstering safety and health requirements for agricultural labor housing, the state’s Department of Justice has confirmed in written legal advice.
The legal advice clears away any potential doubt about the division’s authority to enforce its amended ag labor housing rule, parts of which are scheduled to take effect March 31, 2025.
“We remain fully committed to helping employers implement the changes in the rule. We have already published easy-to-use fact sheets and pocket-size cards about the changes, with more helpful resources on the way,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA as a division.
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U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) wants Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to revoke two Biden-era OSHA rules.
Walberg last week wrote to the new Labor official calling for her to cancel the worker walkaround representative designation process and changes to the recordkeeping rule.
“In your new role, I encourage you to consider the issues raised in this letter and to remain in proactive contact with the Committee as other agenda items arise,” the Michigan lawmaker said to Chavez-DeRemer in the letter.
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While Seaworld’s trainers are no longer allowed in the water with orcas, OSHA has issued a “general duty clause serious citation for allowing employees to work in close contact with the whale, exposing them to the potential for bites, struck-by and drowning hazards.”
The department proposed a fine of $16,550.
The employee was injured during a training exercise with the orca at the Orlando park in September 2024.
SeaWorld has faced intense criticism for years over safety concerns for its trainers and the treatment of its aquatic animals, particularly its captive killer whales.
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