New Rule Lets Union Reps Accompany Federal Safety Inspectors (1)

Non-employees will be allowed to accompany and advise OSHA officials during workplace safety and health inspections under a new final rule from the agency taking effect May 31.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s “walkaround rule,” released Friday, has been welcomed by worker advocates who see the measure as providing greater opportunities to participate in OSHA inspections (RIN:1218-AD45).

According to the agency, the final rule clarifies that, consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, “workers may authorize another employee to serve as their representative or select a non-employee.”

“This is not a new concept ...