National COSH Champions New OSHA Rule for Worker-Led Safety Inspections

National COSH Champions New OSHA Rule for Worker-Led Safety Inspections

OSHA’s new rule allows external individuals to accompany agents during safety inspections.

  • By Robert Yaniz Jr.
  • Apr 03, 2024

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) has publicly voiced its support for a new OSHA rule allowing workers to select their own representatives during safety inspections. The rule goes into effect on May 1, 2024.

“The recent tragedy in Baltimore is a terrible reminder about the thousands of U.S. workers, each year, who go to work but never come home,” National COSH Co-Executive Director Jessica E. Martinez said in a statement. “Tens of thousands more die from long-term exposure to workplace hazards, and millions more become sick or injured. By giving workers a stronger voice in inspecting their workplaces and correcting preventable hazards, OSHA’s new walkaround rule can play an important role in reducing the risk of occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities.”

The rule empowers workers to choose a representative with specific knowledge or experience related to workplace hazards or with the necessary language or communication skills to conduct a thorough inspection. This may include individuals from COSH groups, labor unions, legal professionals or industrial hygienists.

“Years ago, I was actually told by a manager to block our store’s fire exits, which I knew was extremely dangerous — but back then, I didn’t know who I could talk to or who I could trust,” David Williams, worker leader with Step Up Louisiana and National COSH who testified in support of the OSHA rule before the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). “I’m no longer afraid, but a lot of people are. Having someone with you who you trust during an OSHA inspection, it will help tremendously.”

In conjunction with the announcement of the new rule, National COSH is gearing up to participate in Workers’ Memorial Week from April 21 through 28. This annual observance honors the memory of workers who have lost their lives on the job, as well as those who have suffered injuries or illnesses due to workplace conditions.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • SlateSafety BAND V2

    SlateSafety BAND V2

    SlateSafety's BAND V2 is the most rugged, easy-to-use connected safety wearable to help keep your workforce safe and help prevent heat stress. Worn on the upper arm, this smart PPE device works in tandem with the SlateSafety V2 system and the optional BEACON V2 environmental monitor. It includes comprehensive, enterprise-grade software that provides configurable alert thresholds, real-time alerts, data, and insights into your safety program's performance all while ensuring your data is secure and protected. Try it free for 30 days. 3

  • Matrix's OmniPro Vision AI Collision Avoidance System

    OmniPro Vision AI is a state-of-the-art collision avoidance system that features NIOSH award-winning Visual Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This highly accurate, powerful system identifies and alerts on pedestrians, vehicles and specified objects, ensuring safer facilities, mining operations and industrial sites. With its web-based cloud application, OmniPro Vision AI also logs and analyzes a wide range of data related to zone breach notifications. Operating without needing personal wearable devices or tags, OmniPro has visual and audible zone breach alerts for both operators and pedestrians. 3

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. 3

Featured

Most   Popular