Possible New Rule for Walkthroughs

March 1, 2023

Unions could gain more power

  • A proposed rule from the OSHA would let a union representative to accompany an OSHA inspector during a walkaround at a nonunion worksite.
  • This process would be allowed even if the union representative is not an employee at the organization and OSHA plans to issue a notice in May.
  • OSHA implemented a similar rule during the Obama administration but the Trump administration rescinded it in 2017.
  • An existing OSHA regulation stipulates that the representative authorized by employees to accompany OSHA should be an employee of the organization
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Auto parts industry under scrutiny

  • OSHA has issued a warning about hazards in the auto parts supplier industry, which can lead to serious injuries, amputations, and deaths.
  • A new Regional Emphasis Program is in effect that applies to employers within the jurisdiction of five OSHA area offices across three states — Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
  • The auto parts supplier industry has a higher injury and illness rate (3.3 per 100 full-time workers) than the overall private industry (2.7), according to federal research.
  • OSHA inspections begin 30 days after outreach and notification letters have been sent to employers.
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OSHA on the scene after blast kills two

  • OSHA is investigating after a massive explosion at a Florida welding business killed two people and left two others critically injured
  • The agency is looking into the incident at Laurie’s General Welding in Medley.
  • Laurie’s General Welding has not undergone any previous inspections.
  • After the blast, electricians were working to restore power lines for nearby businesses.
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OSHA sides with actor after fatal shooting

  • New Mexico division of OSHA found that actor Alex Baldwin is culpable after a cinematographer was killed on the set of the movie “Rust.”
  • However, prosecutors charged Baldwin with firing the gun that killed Halyna Hutchins and management for creating a hazardous set.
  • OSHA investigation laid ultimate management authority on producer Ryan Smith and his company, Rust Movie Prods.
  • In addition, he producers of “Rust” have agreed to pay a reduced penalty of $100,000 to resolve the OSHA case that arose from the shooting death.
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