Safety Compliance & OSHA Defense
Workplace health and safety regulations can disrupt projects and lead to added expenses, and the failure to comply may potentially damage a company’s ability to procure future work. Cohen Seglias attorneys advise owners, developers, project managers, contractors and subcontractors on complying with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, remediating potential violations and challenging citations.
Cohen Seglias’ attorneys have handled a range of OSHA-related matters involving personal protective equipment (PPE), trenching and excavation safety, scaffolding, ladders and fall protection, and hazard communication, including the following representative matters:
- Represented an excavation contractor in the appeal of Serious Violations from OSHA, including alleged violations of ladder requirements, slopping requirements, and protective system requirements.
- Represented a roofing contractor in the appeal of 15 Serious Violations from OSHA, including alleged violations of scaffolding requirements and fall arrest system requirements.
- Represented an industrial equipment company in the defense of an OSHA investigation arising out of an employee complaint related to PPE and powered industrial truck operation.
- Represented a general contractor in connection with an OSHA investigation related to a temporary stair collapse.
- Represented a utility contractor in the appeal of Repeat and Serious Violations of OSHA shoring standards.
Our Safety Compliance & OSHA Defense Group regularly provides guidance to companies to educate their employees on safe behaviors in the workplace to ensure OSHA compliance. When investigations arise, whether from an employee complaint or an egregious workplace incident, our team is there to assist. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators, regularly resolving conflicts through informal settlement discussions with OSHA. We assist with the resolution of all manners of citations—including those classified as repeat or serious. Our team prioritizes the client’s goals, be it minimizing potential fines or safeguarding the company’s safety record, and frequently settles such cases with lower fines and lesser citations than initially brought. Our attorneys also help prepare and implement Environmental Health & Safety and Site Specific Safety Plans and assist with Rapid Response Investigations requested by OSHA.
Being proactive about workplace and safety regulations can prevent issues down the road; our attorneys help clients draft, review and update workplace handbooks and policies that comply with changing OSHA and industry standards. Our construction industry knowledge, paired with robust labor and employment capabilities, allows us to provide a comprehensive perspective on the challenges employers face.
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