Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Regulatory & Legislative Update!

Navigating New Penalties and Compliance Challenges in 2024

Effective January 2024, OSHA has increased civil penalties to $161,000 per citation, while MSHA now imposes penalties of up to $324,000, with the possibility of personal penalties up to $88,000 for "agents of management". Notably, MSHA is intensifying its enforcement focus on contractors operating within mine sites across various industries. This webinar by Adele L. Abrams, Esq., ASP, CMSP will provide invaluable insights to help organizations navigate these evolving regulatory landscapes effectively.

This session offers a comprehensive examination of recent shifts in occupational safety and health regulations and legislation over the past year. Furthermore, it will analyze potential future trajectories, contingent upon the results of the November 2024 elections. Attendees can expect a thorough exploration of regulatory updates and anticipate how the political landscape may influence forthcoming developments in this critical area. This webinar aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of the fundamental components of several new mandatory standards from OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) set to be enforced from 2024 onwards. By grasping these elements, attendees will be better prepared to anticipate and address challenges, training needs, and compliance-related costs.

During the webinar, Adele will delve into several new federal regulations, encompassing OSHA's 2024 Hazard Communication Standard final rule, OSHA's finalized "Walkaround Rights" rule, amendments to Electronic Recordkeeping Requirements, and the associated SST enforcement. Additionally, it will cover MSHA's recently implemented Respirable Crystalline Silica and Surface Mobile Equipment rules, which extend to contractors. Moreover, the webinar will discuss forthcoming revisions to Heat Stress Prevention regulations at both federal and state levels. Attendees can also expect an analysis of the latest semi-annual regulatory agenda to anticipate the future initiatives of these agencies. During the session, participants will gain insights into the current landscape of OSHA enforcement programs, including an overview of active National Emphasis Programs, the Severe Violators Enforcement Program, and the "Instance by Instance" citation policy, which could lead to substantial civil penalties. The speaker will also examine the fiscal year 2024 appropriations for the US Department of Labor and explore the potential for new OSHA reform legislation in 2025.

Webinar Objectives

• Regulatory Updates and Compliance Preparation:
  • Understanding OSHA's increased civil penalties effective January 2024.
  • Navigating MSHA's intensified enforcement focus on contractors with penalties up to $324,000, and personal penalties up to $88,000 for "agents of management".
• In-depth Coverage of New Federal Regulations:
  • OSHA's 2024 Hazard Communication Standard final rule.
  • OSHA's finalized "Walkaround Rights" rule.
  • Amendments to Electronic Recordkeeping Requirements and associated SST enforcement.
  • MSHA's Respirable Crystalline Silica and Surface Mobile Equipment rules.
• Analysis of Forthcoming Revisions:
  • Upcoming revisions to Heat Stress Prevention regulations at both federal and state levels.
  • Insights into the latest semi-annual regulatory agenda to anticipate future initiatives.
• Current Enforcement Landscape:
  • Overview of active National Emphasis Programs.
  • Severe Violators Enforcement Program.
  • "Instance by Instance" citation policy and potential civil penalties.
  • Examination of the fiscal year 2024 appropriations for the US Department of Labor.
  • Exploration of potential new OSHA reform legislation in 2025.

Webinar Agenda

• Overview of OSHA/MSHA enforcement and regulatory authority
• Review of current enforcement programs: SST, SVEP and IBI and emphasis on contractor/temporary worker safety
• Review of OSHA’s newest rules: Hazard Communication Standard, Walkaround Rights, and federal/state changes to Heat Illness Prevention requirements
• Review of MSHA’s newest rules impacting mine operators and contractors: Respirable Crystalline Silica and Surface Mobile Equipment.
• Review of OSHA’s current dozen National Emphasis Programs
• Explanation of pending semi-annual regulatory agenda
• Conclusion

Webinar Highlights

• OSHA’s Heat Illness rulemaking and associated National Emphasis Program
• Changes to the Global Harmonization System adopted by OSHA in its April 2024 changes to the Hazard Communication Standard
• Alteration of rights under OSHA’s Walkaround Rule, which allows union reps to participate in non-union worksite inspections
• Emphasis programs on combustible dust, amputation prevention, and silica
• Status of OSHA initiatives on workplace violence prevention
• MSHA rule changes impacting contractors performing work at mines, quarries, and cement plants
• Pending legislation impacting OSHA and MSHA, and forecast for future developments

Who Should Attend

Environment, safety and health professionals (EHS, OHS), Supervisors and Superintendents, Human Resources Professionals, Corporate EHS managers and risk assessment professionals.