In this episode of The Left Of Boom Show, we sit down with Marc Freedman, Vice President of Workplace Policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to better understand how employers can prepare for the new OSHA Walkaround Standard, set to take effect on May 31st. This regulation allows employees to designate a non-employee representative to accompany OSHA inspectors during walkaround inspections, a change that carries significant implications for employers and their property rights.
Under the new rule, third-party employee representatives “may accompany the OSHA inspector when good cause has been shown why they are reasonably necessary to the conduct of an effective and thorough physical inspection of the workplace.”
This means that employers could face situations where a union organizer or another external representative, chosen by an employee, is present during the inspection. The regulation also lacks limits on the number of employee representatives, potentially allowing multiple union representatives or activists with varying agendas to accompany the OSHA inspector onto your property.
Marc provides tips and advice on how employers can navigate these changes, protect their property rights, and manage the inspection process effectively. This episode is essential for employers seeking to understand and prepare for the complexities introduced by the new OSHA Walkaround Standard.
Resources:
OSHA’s ‘Walk-Around’ Regulation Is Government-Imposed Trespassing
U.S. Chamber Challenges DOL’s Independent Contractor Rule That Creates Uncertainty, Employee Bias
White Paper: Unprecedented ‘Whole of Government’ Support of Unions Is Harmful
