An Introduction to Confined Space Work
What Is a Confined Space? There are two types of confined spaces: permit-required and non-permit-required. A confined space is an enclosed space that: Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and Has limited or...
All About National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, a campaign led by FEMA to encourage individuals and organizations to be ready for emergencies before they happen. Whether talking about homes or businesses, there is a risk of disasters in our life every day. Natural disasters...
New NY Bill Would Require Naloxone in Workplace First Aid Kits
If you thought your first aid kit was only for paper cuts and splinters, think again. New York Senate Bill S5922A would amend Labor Law § 27‑F so that any workplace already required by federal OSHA to stock first aid supplies must also carry at least one dose of...
OSHA’s New Penalty Reduction Policy
On July 14, 2025, OSHA announced a series of important updates to its penalty reduction policies. These changes are designed to support small businesses, encourage swift hazard correction, and reward the companies that have a strong compliance history. By expanding...
Comment on OSHA’s Proposed Changes to Respirator Requirements
OSHA is making moves to update several respirator-related standards, and now is the time to speak up. Public comments are being accepted until November 1, 2025 on a series of proposed changes that primarily affect filtering facepiece respirators (i.e., N95s) and...
OSHA Proposes to Limit Use of the General Duty Clause
On July 1, 2025, OSHA announced a proposed rule that would significantly narrow the scope of its General Duty Clause (GDC) – a foundational tool the agency uses to protect workers when no specific standard applies. The proposed change would prevent OSHA from citing...
Staying Safe and Sound at Work
Today marks the start of Safe + Sound Week 2025! OSHA holds its Safe + Sound Campaign annually in August. The purpose of this week is to remind us of the importance of workplace safety and health programs – which should promote employee engagement throughout the...
OSHA’s Updated Site-Specific Targeting Inspection Plan: What Non-Construction Employers Need to Know
On May 20, 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented a revised Site-Specific Targeting (SST) inspection program, focusing on non-construction establishments with 20 or more employees. This update aims to direct OSHA’s attention toward...
Reissuance of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Amputations
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries is a data‑driven initiative whose purpose is “to identify and reduce or eliminate amputation hazards in manufacturing industries.” Under this NEP, OSHA uses injury and inspection data to...
New York State Insurance Fund to Provide Financing for Small Businesses to Purchase Heat-Related PPE
It is unclear when or if OSHA’s new heat rule will come into effect as planned. However, savvy business owners know that, regardless of the law, it is a wise business decision to protect workers from the risks associated with excessive heat. Incidents related to...