#OSHA attorney

[indexblogging]

Why Every Construction Firm Needs an NYC OSHA Attorney

Navigating OSHA regulations can feel overwhelming for construction firms in New York City. The bustling city is not just home to towering skyscrapers but also some of the strictest safety laws in the country. This is where an NYC OSHA attorney becomes indispensable. From ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations to mitigating legal risks, the right attorney can make all the difference in keeping your projects on track and your business protected.

If you're a construction firm operating in NYC, keep reading to learn how OSHA attorneys play a critical role in your operations and how to choose the right one for your company.

Understanding OSHA and Its Role in Construction

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established to ensure safe and healthy working environments. For the construction industry—a sector plagued by high-risk activities—OSHA regulations are crucial. These guidelines cover everything from fall protection protocols to hazard communication standards, aiming to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.

While OSHA’s intent is clear, adhering to these stringent regulations is no easy feat. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, litigation, and delays, all of which could severely impact a construction project’s bottom line.

Why Compliance is Crucial for Construction Firms

OSHA compliance protects workers and provides construction firms with a foundation that safeguards against legal complications. Failing an OSHA inspection or neglecting their safety protocols can lead to hefty fines, project delays, and a tarnished reputation. This is where an OSHA attorney brings value. By staying ahead of complex regulations, they allow construction firms to focus on what they do best—building.

Why Construction Firms in NYC Need an OSHA Attorney

Operating in New York City comes with its own set of challenges. NYC’s rigorous safety protocols often go beyond federal OSHA rules, making compliance even trickier. An NYC OSHA attorney is not just a luxury; they are a necessity for firms that want to stay protected.

Below are key reasons construction companies rely on OSHA lawyers in NYC:

An NYC OSHA attorney understands the unique safety laws and regulatory environment of New York. For instance, the city’s Local Law 196 requires additional safety training for construction workers beyond federal mandates. Attorneys help ensure your firm complies with both federal OSHA and local NYC regulations.

Incidents on construction sites—like falls, equipment failures, or chemical exposure—can easily escalate into lawsuits. An OSHA attorney proactively identifies potential risks and implements strategies to minimize them. If worst comes to worst, they can capably represent you in litigation.

Few things are as nerve-wracking as an unexpected OSHA inspection. Attorneys provide critical support during these moments. They guide your team on how to respond to OSHA inquiries, help collect proper documentation, and ensure that compliance gaps don’t result in severe consequences.

Facing OSHA fines? An attorney can challenge citations, negotiate reduced penalties, and create corrective action plans that protect your company’s ongoing operations. With hefty fines often reaching tens of thousands of dollars per violation, having legal support is game-changing.

The Role of an OSHA Attorney in Compliance and Risk Management

An professional OSHA attorney does more than handle legal battles. They are proactive partners in helping firms stay ahead of the curve. Here’s a breakdown of their role in ensuring smooth operations:

Regular Compliance Audits: Attorneys will assess your sites and processes for regulatory adherence. These audits catch compliance issues before they escalate.

Policy Creation: They assist in developing safety procedures, hazard management protocols, and injury response systems aligned with OSHA standards.

Representation in Hearings: Whether dealing with disputes or penalty appeals, an OSHA lawyer represents your firm in administrative hearings or court proceedings.

Expert Advice on OSHA Updates: Construction regulations are updated frequently. Your attorney will keep your firm informed about new requirements, ensuring you’re always in compliance.

How to Choose the Best OSHA Attorney in NYC

Selecting the best OSHA attorney for your construction firm is crucial. Consider these factors:

1. Experience in Construction Law Compliance: Look for an attorney who specializes in OSHA-related legal matters and has experience working with construction firms. They should have in-depth knowledge of federal and NYC-specific regulations.

2. Proven Track Record: Ask about their success in dealing with OSHA citations, legal disputes, and penalty negotiations. A proven track record will give you confidence in their abilities.

3. Industry Reputation: Check for reviews, testimonials, or references from other construction firms. An established reputation is often a strong indicator of reliability.

4. Availability and Responsiveness: The construction industry moves fast, and so do OSHA inspections. You need an attorney who is not only skilled but also quick to respond during urgent situations.

5. Tailored Legal Strategies: Every construction firm has unique needs. Your attorney should offer personalized strategies that align with your specific projects and risk factors.

Stay Proactive with OSHA Compliance

When it comes to OSHA regulations, the stakes are high for construction firms in NYC. Hiring an NYC OSHA attorney is not just about managing crises—it’s about preventing them altogether. By ensuring compliance and mitigating risks, these legal professionals empower your company to operate securely and efficiently, even in one of the nation’s most highly regulated cities.

Now is the time to invest in proactive legal support. Whether it’s helping your team better understand OSHA guidelines or stepping in when compliance challenges arise, an OSHA attorney is the ally every NYC construction firm needs.

[salcreus]

Group A jokes and Group B jokes being separate is so fucking real because if I say on twitter that “[FICTIONAL CHARACTER]’s cleavage means the world to me; I hope they get traumatized beyond belief”, the information given will cause several people to immediately tweet at me to seek therapy- but if i type it in here, where all my sexy mutuals are at, millions will come from the floodgates cheering and typing #girl same in the tags, restoring the balance of the ecosystem

[workcompattorney]

Injured on the Job Due to Lack of Proper PPE

What Is Personal Protective Equipment? Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any type of gear or clothing worn by a worker to protect them from hazards that could cause injuries or illnesses. This includes items such as safety goggles, hard hats, respirators, and gloves. It also includes items such as face masks and shields that have become more common in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Why Is PPE Important?

 PPE is important as it helps protect workers from potential exposure to hazardous materials or conditions. For example, if a worker is exposed to loud noise for an extended period of time without wearing ear protection, they can suffer permanent hearing loss. Alternatively, if a worker works with chemicals without wearing respiratory protection or protective clothing, they run the risk of inhaling toxic fumes or getting burns on their skin. 

The Responsibility of Employers Regarding PPE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees by ensuring a safe work environment free of hazards, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers must provide appropriate PPE to workers at no cost, as well as make sure it’s properly maintained, inspected and used in hazardous conditions. 

Employers must also clearly communicate their PPE requirements to all employees, train them on the use of PPE, continuously monitor employee compliance with PPE regulations and enforce safety practices with disciplinary action when necessary.

If your employer neglects these duties and you’re injured as a result, you have rights to workers comp benefits. In fact, fault is generally not taken into consideration when making a workers compensation claim. Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself:

Document everything – Keep detailed records about your injury and take photos if possible. This can be helpful when filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Get medical attention – Seek medical attention right away so that your injuries can be documented by a healthcare professional. Tell your doctor all relevant information about your injury including when it occurred and what happened leading up to it so they can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Reach out to an attorney – Consider speaking with an experienced St. Louis workers’ comp attorney who can help make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries. They’ll be able to advise you on what legal options are available and guide you through each step of the process so you don't have to go through it alone. 

St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys

At the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman, we understand how difficult it can be when you have suffered an injury due to your employer's negligence. That’s why we prioritize providing comprehensive legal knowledge about workers’ comp cases. We can explain the legal process clearly so that you understand what kind of compensation you might be entitled to receive. Contact us today at (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.

[deveshmaharaj]

Devesh Maharaj Trinidad - Legal Remedies for Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that undermines employee well-being and the overall productivity of organizations. Addressing it effectively requires a robust understanding of legal frameworks, supportive mechanisms, and actionable steps. Advocate Devesh Maharaj, a distinguished legal expert in Trinidad, shares valuable insights on navigating workplace harassment and exploring legal remedies available to employees.

Understanding Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment encompasses a wide range of unwelcome behaviors, including verbal, physical, or visual conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile work environment. Common forms include:

Sexual Harassment: Unwanted advances, inappropriate remarks, or physical contact.

Discriminatory Harassment: Bullying or unequal treatment based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Power Dynamics: Abuses of authority, where superiors exploit their position to demean subordinates.

Cyber Harassment: Online bullying, including emails or messages targeting individuals.

Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward addressing the issue.

Employee Rights in Trinidad

In Trinidad, several laws protect employees from workplace harassment. Advocate Devesh Maharaj emphasizes the importance of understanding these rights:

Equal Opportunity Act: This legislation prohibits discrimination and harassment based on attributes like race, ethnicity, gender, or disability.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): Employers are mandated to provide a safe and healthy working environment, which includes addressing harassment.

Employment Contracts: Many organizations include anti-harassment clauses in employment agreements, reinforcing zero-tolerance policies.

Steps to Take if You Experience Harassment

Advocate Maharaj advises employees to act decisively while navigating workplace harassment. Here are the recommended steps:

1. Document the Incidents

Maintain a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and specific behaviors. This documentation serves as crucial evidence if legal action becomes necessary.

2. Review Workplace Policies

Examine your employer’s anti-harassment policies, complaint procedures, and the reporting structure. Most organizations outline these in employee handbooks or internal communications.

3. Report the Harassment

File a formal complaint with the designated personnel, such as HR or an ethics officer. Advocate Maharaj advises reporting harassment promptly to ensure timely intervention.

4. Seek Support

Discuss the situation with trusted colleagues, mentors, or counselors. Support networks can provide emotional strength and practical advice.

5. Consult a Legal Expert

If internal mechanisms fail, consult a seasoned attorney like Advocate Devesh Maharaj. A legal professional can guide you on the appropriate course of action, including filing a formal complaint with relevant authorities or initiating a lawsuit.

Legal Remedies Available

In Trinidad, employees subjected to harassment can pursue the following legal remedies:

1. Filing a Complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission

The Equal Opportunity Commission investigates claims of discrimination and harassment. Employees can lodge complaints for impartial mediation or resolution.

2. Civil Lawsuits

Victims can initiate civil lawsuits against perpetrators or negligent employers for damages, including emotional distress, financial losses, and punitive compensation.

3. Reporting to OSHA

Advocate Maharaj stresses the importance of reporting unsafe work environments to OSHA. The agency has the authority to investigate and mandate corrective measures.

4. Criminal Action

In severe cases involving assault, stalking, or threats, employees can file criminal complaints. Law enforcement authorities ensure perpetrators are held accountable under criminal law.

Employer Responsibilities

Advocate Maharaj highlights that employers play a pivotal role in fostering a safe workplace. Key responsibilities include:

Implementing Robust Policies: Clear guidelines on acceptable behavior, reporting mechanisms, and consequences for violations.

Training Programs: Regular training sessions to sensitize employees and management about harassment.

Prompt Action: Investigating complaints thoroughly and taking swift corrective measures.

Support Systems: Offering counseling and assistance to affected employees.

Advocate Devesh Maharaj s Commitment

Advocate Devesh Maharaj has dedicated his legal career to championing employee rights in Trinidad. His expertise in employment law and unwavering commitment to justice make him a trusted ally for victims of workplace harassment. Maharaj emphasizes the importance of empowering employees through knowledge and access to legal recourse.

“Every employee deserves a workplace free from fear and intimidation. By understanding your rights and taking decisive action, you can reclaim your dignity and foster a culture of respect,” asserts Advocate Maharaj.

Conclusion

Handling workplace harassment requires courage, awareness, and support. Advocate Devesh Maharaj’s guidance underscores the necessity of leveraging legal remedies to address grievances effectively. Whether through internal mechanisms or judicial interventions, employees have the tools to combat harassment and advocate for a respectful and inclusive work environment.

If you or someone you know is facing workplace harassment, seek advice from experts like Advocate Devesh Maharaj in Trinidad. Empower yourself with knowledge and take the necessary steps to ensure justice and workplace harmony.

Source:-https://medium.com/@DeveshMaharajUNC/devesh-maharaj-trinidad-legal-remedies-for-workplace-harassment-61fe3ef3938b

[mesrianilawgroup]

What Are the Types of OSHA Violations?

In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over five thousand people were killed due to injuries they obtained while working. Their Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries that same year reported that fatalities had risen five percent in the private construction industry since 2018 and the number was the highest than it had been since 2007.

For 2020, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a report of their top 10 violations of the fiscal year. This report included the types of safety violations that most often resulted in injuries and even fatalities at workplaces.

What Are OSHA Violations

OSHA violations happen when a company or one of their employees does not adhere to the proper safety procedures or safety hazards are not addressed. A violation presents a risk for an accident or injury but does not necessarily mean this has happened yet. OSHA will administer inspections that may detect such violations before an incident. In some cases, OSHA may issue the company a fine or citation for the violation. If there is a willful violation and an employee is killed, there may also be criminal charges and penalties involved.

OSHA Violations vs OSHA Citations

Citations are often issued when a company commits a violation that does not necessarily present a danger to their employees. A citation is like a warning that serves to alert the company to the violation and let them know that they need to address it. A citation only becomes part of a company’s safety record if they receive it more than once. If the citation is issued two or more times within three years, it is considered a repeat offense.

Degrees of OSHA Violations

OSHA violations are identified by different degrees of severity. The following designations help determine the amount penalized.

Serious Violations

When a violation is too serious for just a citation, OSHA will also administer fines. According to the OSHA Act Section 17(k), violations are considered serious if they can cause severe injuries or death and should have been reasonably prevented by the employer. OSHA classifies the penalties for these violations on a gravity-based scale categorizing them by their severity with corresponding fines.

High-gravity violations are the most severe and carry fines of $14,502.

Moderate-gravity violations are of middling severity and can carry fines anywhere from $8,287 to $12,431.

Low-gravity violations are lower severity and carry fines for $6,215.

Many companies will hire workplace risk assessment consultants to help them identify these violations before they come to OSHA’s attention.

Other Than Serious Violations

OSHA considers violations that may pose a real risk to the health and safety of the employees, but will not result in injury or death, to be other-than-serious. These violations may incur the same fines as serious violations depending on the situation. In some cases, OSHA may decide to give a citation or reduce the amount of the penalty.

Violations that are considered other than serious are categorized as lesser and greater minimal-only violations. Lesser violations are generally met with a citation and no monetary fine. Greater violations may be met with a fine anywhere up to $14,502.

Willful or Repeated

Repeated violations within a three-year period can be met with fines up to a maximum penalty of $145,027 per violation. For serious repeated violations, the minimum penalty imposed is $10,360. If the violation is other than serious and did not initially warrant a monetary fine then the first repeated violation may be met with a $414 fine, the second with a $1,036 fine, and the third with a $2,072 fine.

A willful violation occurs when the employer is aware of the danger to their employees and ignores it. Fines for willful violations range from $10,360 to $145,027. If a willful violation results in a fatality, the penalty may be a hefty fine, prison time of up to six months, or both. When these fatalities result in criminal convictions, the fines may be as high as $250,000 for individual employers and $500,000 for corporations.

Penalties for serious willful violations may be reduced based on the size of the business and the number of employees.

10 or fewer employees result in an 80% penalty reduction

11-20 employees result in a 60% penalty reduction

21-30 employees result in a 50% penalty reduction

31-40 employees result in a 40% penalty reduction

41-50 employees result in a 30% penalty reduction

51-100 employees result in a 20% penalty reduction

101-250 employees result in a 10% penalty reduction

251 or more employees result in a 0% penalty reduction

Posting Requirements

When OSHA issues a citation or notice of violation to an employer, it must be posted in the area where the violation occurred. The posting must be in full view for all employees for at least three days or until the issue is resolved. These notices are also accompanied by a pamphlet that describes the issue, suggests solutions, and provides the date by which it must be remedied.

Failure to Abate

If an employer does not resolve the issue of the violation by the date provided with the notice, they may be fined for each day past that date that the issue goes unresolved. If the issue was never resolved, it is considered a failure to abate. If the issue was resolved and occurs again, it is considered a repeat violation.

De Minimus Violation

A de minimus violation refers to an issue that is technically a violation in that it does not comply with OSHA standards, but it does not necessarily pose a genuine risk to anyone’s health or safety. Rather than issue a citation or a penalty, OSHA will often provide a verbal warning to the employer and simply note the issue in the company safety file.

OSHA Fines & Penalties

As of January 2022, the following penalties are imposed for OSHA violations:

Serious violations – $1,036 to $14,502

Other than serious violations – $0 to $14,502

Willful or repeated violations – $10,360 to $145,027

Posting requirement violations – $0 to $14,502

Failure to abate violations – $14,502 per day past the abatement date up to 30 days

Can OSHA Fine Employees?

Individual employees are not fined by OSHA for safety violations. The employers are the ones responsible for maintaining the health and safety of their employees and keeping the workplace in compliance with OSHA standards.

Most Common Examples of OSHA Violations

The top ten most frequently fined OSHA violation examples of 2020 are:

Fall Protection with 5,424 violations

Hazard Communication with 3,199 violations

Respiratory Protection with 2,649 violations

Scaffolding with 2,538 violations

Ladders with 2,129 violations

Control of Hazardous Energy with 2,065 violations

Powered Industrial Trucks with 1,932 violations

Fall Protection Training with 1,621 violations

Eye and Face Protection with 1,369 violations

Machinery and Machine Guiding with 1,313 violations

The number one recommended way to prevent workplace incidents is though comprehensive training in OSHA safety standards. OSHA provides 10-hour online safety training courses for both construction and general industry workers. This course helps keep employees informed of the precautions necessary to keep themselves and each other safe.

OSHA also provides an annual report of the most common violations they find in order to give people additional information that can help them maintain safe and healthy work areas.

In 2020 the most common violations were found evenly in both construction and general industry. The list does not change too much from year to year, though the order of the categories may fluctuate.

Fall Protection

Fall protection has been the most commonly cited OSHA violation for ten years. Additionally, falling injuries are also the number one cause of fatalities in the construction industry. There are many ways in which a company might violate the fall protection standard set out by OSHA. Common fall protection violations involve incorrect methods of fall protections being used and the lack of or improper installation of safety features. OSHA mandates fall protection for workers when at a height of six feet or more. It is not enough that the protection be present, however. It must also be in good condition and working order.

Hazard Communication

Some jobs call for the use of chemicals and other hazardous substances. When handling or storing these materials, it is important to know the proper way to do so safely. This is why all hazardous substances must be labeled clearly and accompanied by emergency procedures. OSHA updated and revised their hazard communication standard in 2012 with new criteria and formatting for safety data sheets.

Respiratory Protection

OSHA’s respiratory protection standard serves to protect workers from substances in the air such as dust, smoke, toxic fumes, and other contaminants. Employers are required to ensure that the workplace has proper ventilation and that the employees are outfitted with the correct personal protective equipment.

In the wake of COVID-19, respiratory protection became a major factor with stricter guidelines. So many employers were failing to meet the standards in place that respiratory protection rose to the third most common OSHA violation from its spot at fifth place the previous year.

Scaffolding

OSHA’s data states that approximately 65 percent of construction industry employees work with scaffolding. When handling scaffolding, it is important to adhere to all safety precautions for the safety of those navigating the scaffolding as well as everyone below. The risk of people falling or getting hit by falling objects is a very real danger. Failure to comply with OSHA’s scaffolding standard causes over 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths annually.

Ladders

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that almost 60 percent of ladder related fatalities happen within the construction industry. Construction industry ladder violations are generally due to employers not providing the right safety training. Another large issue is when workers use a type of ladder that is inappropriate for the task at hand. OSHA’s Ladders standard provides comprehensive guidelines for ladder safety such as staying within the ladder’s weight restrictions, maintaining proper clearance around the ladder, and ensuring the ladder is steady and secure on the ground.

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout / Tagout)

According to data compiled by OSHA, approximately 9 percent of fatalities in the construction industry are related to electrocution, often due to improper energy control during maintenance procedures. Non-fatal electrocution injuries are still serious and can result in burns and even broken bones. The control of hazardous energy standard laid out by OSHA is a guideline for workers to protect themselves from the energy stored in their equipment. OSHA requires that all energy be discharged from machinery properly or controlled by a lockout tagout device.

Powered Industrial Trucks

Powered industrial trucks are heavy machinery such as tractors and forklifts. They are specialized equipment that must be used properly and kept well maintained. OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard forbids anyone from operating these vehicles without proper training. This training includes how to identify and avoid hazards as well as dos and don’ts like not using a phone while driving.

Fall Protection Training

It is not enough that fall protection measures be put in place, OSHA’s training requirements for fall protection standard dictates that any workers who are at risk of falling hazards go through the proper training.

Workers must be properly trained in knowledge of when and where that protection is needed and taught to identify and avoid potential hazards. They must also be taught proper maintenance and operational procedures for all necessary equipment including assembly, disassembly, and safety inspection.

Eye and Face Protection

There are many hazards found in the workplace that leave thousands of people blinded each year. These hazards can be related to debris in the air, toxic substances, and in some professions such as welding, even intense light. The standard for eye and face protection set forth by OSHA provides regulations necessary for preventing injuries to the face and eyes. These regulations pertain to things like eye wash stations and their operational instructions, safety measures applied to machinery, and equipment such as goggles and other protective face coverings.

Machinery and Machine Guarding

Many industries involve the use of dangerous machinery. Proper operation procedures and safety measures are necessary to avoid injury. OSHA’s machine guarding standard provides information to help workers protect themselves from moving parts and apply safeguards where needed.

Avoiding OSHA Violations

Adhering to OSHA standards is not just about avoiding punishment, it is about keeping yourself and everyone around you safe and healthy. Entry level workers are highly encouraged to take OSHA’s ten-hour outreach course in order to learn the information they need to maintain workplace safety. There is also a thirty-hour course that provides more extensive information and training for workers in supervisory or safety-based positions.

One way companies work to prevent OSHA violations is by having a third party come in and perform their own inspection to catch issues right away. It is also good practice for managers and employees to be aware of their surroundings and be on the lookout for any potential violations themselves.

Proactive vs Reactive Approach

Many companies have a reactive approach to health and safety. This means that they only address issues when the issue becomes a problem, or someone forces their hand. This approach can have many negative effects on their workers and even the success of the company itself.

Companies are encouraged to take a proactive approach to health and safety. This means being aware of the rules and regulations set forth by OSHA, keeping management and employees fully trained, and always taking steps to catch and prevent potential violations.

If You Have Been Injured Due to OSHA Violations Contact Mesriani Law Group

It is management’s responsibility to ensure that a workplace or jobsite is conducive to the health and safety of their workers and to prevent injuries. OSHA has rules and regulations in place for a reason and when those rules are violated, people get hurt. Being injured in a workplace accident can be a trying time. Being injured because your boss failed in their duty to protect you can make things much worse. Oftentimes, employers will try to shift the responsibility onto the employee and say they are liable for their own injuries. Having a workman’s compensation attorney can help you navigate the entire process. If you have been injured at work as the result of an OSHA violation, call Mesriani Law Group today for a free consultation.

OSHA Violation FAQs

What are the most common OSHA violations?

Fall protection has been the number one OSHA violation for the past decade. A lack of fall protection means a higher risk of workers falling from dangerous heights. In the construction industry, injuries caused by falling are the most common cause of workplace deaths. Hazard communication has held the second place spot for nearly as long from 2012 through 2020. OSHA dictates strict guidelines for the labeling of dangerous substances and the availability of material safety data sheets containing all relevant product and safety information. Coming in at number three and reportedly stealing the number two spot for 2021 is respiratory protection. Workers must be provided the proper ventilation and PPE to keep them safe from contaminants in the air. A proposed reason for the rise in respiratory protection violations is the rise in regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are types of violations?

There are a few different types of OSHA violations. Serious violations are ones that pose an immediate threat of injury or death to the workers. Other-than-serious violations are ones that pose a threat to health and safety but may not cause injury or death. De minimus violations are ones that technically violate OSHA standards and regulations but do not pose a direct threat to the workers.

What are the two types of violations?

When a company commits an OSHA violation that is a hazard to the health and safety of their workers, they may be penalized and, depending on the seriousness of the violation, they could end up paying thousands of dollars in fines. If a violation is found that is not necessarily a substantial hazard, OSHA may instead issue the company a citation which is more of an official warning.

[nyaagolor]

How do you rank the prosecutors on order of homophobia

forgot about this in my drafts for literally months oops. Anyway. Finished now!!!!

So I made this post a while ago that has some of the prosecutors and antagonists, but if you want a ranking of EVERY prosecutor (not including DGS bc i haven't finished yet) huzzah!!

Simon Blackquill: Not actually homophobic but he gets points docked for siccing Taka (known homophobe) at Klavier (known bisexual) for stealing his pretzels from the office pantry that one time. 3/10

Blaise Debeste: I think he's gay but he made me look at that ugly ass beard for far too long and I consider that disrespectful. out of principle? 8/10

Sebastian Debeste: Just look at him. 0/10

Miles Edgeworth: Bratworth was simultaneously gay, homophobic, and a misogynist, and eventually develops into a man who is only like 1.5 of those things. he's getting better. 5/10

Byrne Faraday: I don't really think he cares much about gay people he's busy being a single father and stealing shit. For the apathy? 2/10

Klavier Gavin: He's extremely gay and does a lot of work for the gay community but making Ema Skye deal with him is explicitly lesbophobic so 4/10

Godot: He has a lovely wife but whatever he was doing with Ron DeLite was probably not osha-compliant. I don't know what that means for his sexuality or stance on gay people and neither does he. ?/10

Ga'ran: I think she has a lot of other problems she should deal with first but considered she's bigoted to defense attorneys I don't think her being homophobic would be that out of pocket. Not sure I want to find out. 7/10

Neil Marshall: Have you ever been a gay bar? This guy would do NUMBERS. Also, real cowboys support gay rights. 0/10

Gaspen Payne: Being homophobic is actually why he got fired by the prosecutor's office and Winston is really fucking embarrassed about it. 10/10

Winston Payne: You'd think he'd be homophobic but you can't work for the Japanifornia Prosecutor's Office and hate gay people or you would actually go insane. He's like that one suburban guy who uses terms from the 60s but has the spirit. However, his ally lapel pin is really ugly so 3/10

Jaques Portman: He was calling Edgeworth slurs even before realizing he was gay. 9/10

Lana Skye: Dated Mia in college but refused to explain that to Ema because she has a lot of internalized homophobia and other weird issues of self. Repressed yuri personified. 1/10

Nahyuta Sahdmadhi: He supports gay people but gets all his talking points from the internet so even though he's supportive he's also incredibly fucking annoying about it and no one wants to invite him to brunch because of it. Stop using twitter for fact-checking you jackass. 2/10

Franziska Von Karma: Despite the fact that her lesbianism is so strong it borders on misandry, I think she has a lot of internalized homophobia so she spends the first 25 years of her life being a judgmental little shit. She'll get better dw about it. I believe she can bring that number down with time. 6/10

Manfred Von Karma: I think when he finds out Edgeworth is gay he starts going to gay bars and picking up dudes just to show Edgeworth he has way more rizz than him. Considering how people in my notes have told me on numerous occasions how much they want him carnally, I think he could actually pull it off. In that respect I think he's done a lot for the gay community. It ends up cancelling out somewhat because I think he'd be kind of an ass about it. 4/10

[feluka]

the solution to the cinemasins conundrum is to allow yourself to be pedantic and nitpicky about minute details that don't matter BUT to do so with the understanding that it isn't a valid metric to measure media's quality upon. do it for your own personal self satisfaction. it's enriching. you work in a very specific field or you're studying a niche major and it always haunts you? have quality time with your ghosts. i sadly can't find the post anymore but earlier i saw a post of someone analyzing the environments in my favourite videogame (tales of the abyss) to pick out all the OSHA violations and concluded that that world is a perilous disaster. but there was no anger at the game for that or rebuking the delevopers. they were like "cool game 10/10 but what if i was self indulgent and gave myself a little task to have fun with." same with those playthroughs of real lawyers playing ace attorney. i thought it would be insufferable because clearly ace attorney exists in a looney tunes-esque universe and trying to apply real logic to it is an exercise in futility but the lawyers playing were genuinely having fun and giggling and pausing to explain how these things would go down in real life but with no venom in their speech. don't let anyone shame you out of pushing your glasses up your nose and saying "um, actually," as long as you're not ruining anybody else's fun with it!

[porterdavis]

Heather Cox Richardson:

MAGA representatives have been introducing a slew of measures to the new Congress, many of which incorporate the plans of Project 2025 into legislation. They call for turning over immigration to the states, privatizing veterans’ healthcare, and repealing the 1993 National Voting Rights Act, the 2010 Affordable Care Act, and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

Bills call for withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization; increasing oil and gas production on federal lands; abolishing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); allowing states to spend federal education money on private school vouchers; and removing the protection of transgender rights from schools. Other measures would revoke security clearances for “certain former members of the intelligence community,” introduce a constitutional amendment to cap the Supreme Court at nine justices, and cut off federal funding to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office (the office that successfully charged Trump with election interference) and the Fulton County (GA) District Attorney’s Office (the office that has charged Trump with criminal conspiracy). And MAGA Republicans have proposed a bill to impose a national abortion ban.

Is this what the country wants? More like the wet dream of a minority of a minority.

[the-farmers-rabbit]

You know that video of the lawyer playing Ace Attorney? I need that but with an OSHA inspector and the Final Destination movies, because I know that none of this shit passed any inspections

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

Dozens of environmental, labor and health care groups banded together on Monday to file a petition to push the Federal Emergency Management Agency to declare extreme heat and wildfire smoke as “major disasters,” like floods and tornadoes.

The petition is a major push to get the federal government to help states and local communities that are straining under the growing costs of climate change.

If accepted, the petition could unlock FEMA funds to help localities prepare for heat waves and wildfire smoke by building cooling centers or installing air filtration systems in schools. The agency could also help during emergencies by paying for water distribution, health screenings for vulnerable people and increased electricity use.

“Major disaster declarations really open up the broadest pockets of funding that FEMA has available,” said Jean Su, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group, and the lead author of the petition. “State and local governments are severely ill equipped and underfunded to even deal with emergency measures.”

A Forecast for Heat

It’s been the hottest year on record, the Northeast is bracing for its first severe heat of the year and the Times is tracking extreme heat around the world.

The support of major labor groups like the A.F.L.-CIO and the Service Employees International Union is part of a broader strategy from unions to create protection for the tens of millions of people working outside or without air-conditioning during heat waves. Unions want the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to require employers to protect workers from extreme temperatures. The White House has pushed officials at the Labor Department, which oversees OSHA, to publish a draft heat regulation this summer. But major business and industry groups, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are opposed to any new requirements.

Labor groups and workers’ rights organizations hope that, if the petition to FEMA is accepted, there would be more pressure for employers to address heat in the workplace.

[real-mr-grizz]

Hey, Mr. Grizz. I hope you’ve cleared your schedule, because we’ve got a LOT of court orders for you. Mostly just asking you for witness testimony- y’know, with the protester incidents and OSHA incidents and the coworkers-murdering-each-other incidents and the… well, you get the point. Though, uh, one of them’s an actual lawsuit against you, so be ready for that. Something about union rights.

Anyway, I’ll just leave you with the paperwork and, uh, I’ll put up a do-not-disturb sign. You know the drill.

-Grizz Co. Attorney

GEY GET BACK HERE!

LISTEN TO ME VERY CAREFULLY

IM NOT DOING ANY PAPERWORK, IM FAKING MY DEATH, I NEED YOU TO BURN EVERYTHING

IN 6 YEARS ILL RETURN TO BUILD MY EMPIRE AGAIN

[indexblogging]

The Benefits of Hiring an OSHA Attorney for Your Case

In New York City, ensuring workplace safety is paramount. With thousands of employers striving to maintain a safe working environment for their employees, understanding the role of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) becomes critical.

This blog post aims to equip employers, safety officers, and HR professionals with valuable insights into OSHA regulations and the indispensable role of an OSHA attorney new york city. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-versed in how to enhance safety measures and ensure compliance.

Understanding OSHA's Role in Workplace Safety

OSHA, established to ensure safe and healthful working conditions, plays a vital role in regulating workplace safety across the United States. The agency's mission is to enforce standards and provide training, outreach, education, and assistance. Employers in New York City, a hub of diverse industries, must adhere to OSHA regulations to protect their employees from potential hazards and legal issues.

OSHA's regulations are designed to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by setting and enforcing safety standards. For employers, understanding these regulations is not just about compliance—it's about fostering a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved. From construction sites to corporate offices, OSHA's influence spans various sectors, ensuring that safety is a universal priority.

In New York City, the presence of OSHA is felt across different industries, each with its unique challenges. Whether it’s construction, healthcare, or manufacturing, employers must remain vigilant and informed about the specific OSHA standards relevant to their field. This awareness is the foundation of a proactive approach to workplace safety.

The Crucial Role of an OSHA Attorney

Navigating OSHA regulations can be a daunting task for employers, especially in a city as dynamic as New York. This is where the expertise of an osha attorney new york city becomes invaluable. An OSHA attorney specializes in helping businesses comply with regulations and manage the complexities of OSHA inspections.

An OSHA attorney serves as a guide and advocate for employers, providing legal advice and representation during inspections and investigations. Their in-depth knowledge of OSHA standards allows them to identify potential compliance issues and develop strategies to address them effectively.

One of the key roles of an osha lawyers new york city is to assist employers in preparing for OSHA inspections. By conducting thorough audits and assessments, attorneys can help identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective measures before an inspection takes place. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of violations and potential penalties.

Furthermore, an osha attorney new york city is instrumental in handling citations and appeals. In the event of a violation, they can negotiate with OSHA officials, challenge citations, and represent employers in hearings. This legal expertise ensures that employers' rights are protected throughout the process.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Guidance

Navigating the complexities of OSHA regulations and ensuring workplace safety requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Employers in New York City can benefit significantly from seeking legal guidance from an experienced osha attorney nyc.

An OSHA attorney provides invaluable support in understanding and complying with OSHA standards. Their expertise allows employers to identify potential compliance issues and implement strategies to address them proactively. By partnering with an attorney, employers can avoid costly penalties and create a safer work environment.

Legal guidance is particularly crucial during OSHA inspections and investigations. An attorney can represent employers, ensuring that their rights are protected and that the inspection process is fair and transparent. This representation is essential in minimizing the impact of citations and appeals on the business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of an OSHA attorney  is indispensable for employers, safety officers, and HR professionals committed to workplace safety. By partnering with an attorney, businesses can enhance their compliance efforts, reduce risks, and foster a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved.

For more information on how an OSHA attorney can support your organization, consider reaching out to a legal expert today.

[woefully-undercaffeinated]

What to do when something illegal happens at work

When your boss does something illegal at work, it's common to freeze up because you're not sure what to do. Here are a few tips for how to handle those situations during and after:

While it is happening:

Keep yourself safe. In the moment, your first priority is always to keep yourself and others from physical harm and out of danger as much as possible. If any other advice I give you conflicts with that, your safety takes priority.

Make sure you know where you are. If you think your safety might be at risk, getting your bearings can be critically important. Take note of potential exit routes, hazards, the flow of traffic (both vehicle and foot traffic), cameras, and any safe areas you know of. Later, knowledge of your exact location may be very important in reconstructing events.

Check the time. Knowing exactly when something happened, and how long it took, will be extremely valuable.

Look around for witnesses, and try to bring some over if possible. Witnesses will both reduce the likelihood of more outrageous behavior and help you to take action afterwards. Do your best to remember who was there.

Say "please let me finish" every time you're interrupted, and count the number of times it happened. Bullies love to interrupt people at the first sign of disagreement, and then later they'll claim that nobody disagreed with them when instead nobody could get in a word edgewise. Saying "please let me finish" calls out the fact that they were interrupting, and a count of the times you were interrupted will help you protect yourself from being misinterpreted later.

Avoid agreeing to anything or signing anything if possible. You have the right to review any document that you're asked to sign, which usually includes taking the document and having it examined by an attorney. If you're being threatened with serious consequences if you don't sign immediately, write "signed under duress". If they're asking for a verbal agreement, try to get them to accept a "let me think about it/check my to-do list/etc" rather than a hard "yes". Even if the thing you'd be agreeing to is something you're okay with, it's still important not to agree to things when you don't feel like you're allowed to say "no"; in stressful situations, our judgment can be seriously compromised, and allowing yourself to be bullied into saying "yes" will set a bad precedent for further interactions.

After it's over, as soon as you're in a safe place:

Complete the WTWFU checklist

Send a follow-up email summarizing your understanding of what was communicated. It can be as simple as "just to ensure we understood each other, what I got was that you were telling me/us that [we'll be disciplined if we discuss our wages/contacting a union is a fireable offense/our pay will be docked if anyone submits a complaint to OSHA/etc], is that correct?". If there is information that protects you, such as a health condition or pregnancy you need accommodation for or a prior agreement that is being violated, include it in your email even if the company already knows. CC HR and any coworkers who were present and BCC your personal email*. Forward any responses to your personal email as well*.

Rescind any agreements you made. Either in the same email as step #2 or in a separate email, depending on what you think is appropriate, say "I didn't feel like I could safely say 'no' in that situation, so I'd like to rescind my earlier agreement until I've had some time to reconsider." If it's something you think you'd have otherwise agreed to, try to offer a time frame for an actual decision. CC HR and BCC your personal email*.

Collect any evidence you can, and make note of any evidence that exists but isn't accessible to you. This includes emails about the issue, any photos that were already taken or that you can safely and legally take,

If something illegal was done or hinted at, contact the applicable regulatory agency as soon as possible with all of the information above.

Consider arranging a consult with an employment law attorney -- consults aren't the same as retainers, they're considerably cheaper (or sometimes free, depending on your income and the possibility of a lawsuit) and can either turn into ongoing representation or just be a one-time service.

* Don't include information that you have a legitimate duty to safeguard, such as customer data, protected health information, or non-public market-affecting information. This does not include any information pertaining to working conditions, your compensation, regulatory compliance, or workplace safety -- the company isn't allowed to demand that you keep those a secret. Either try to get the point across without including the specific information that's being safeguarded, or censor it by replacing it with two underscores per replacement with generic descreptors as necessary (i.e. 'I have safety concerns about the release of our secret robotics project on January 10' becomes 'I have safety concerns about the release of our __[project]__ on __[date]__').

[brokentoasterrr]

do you ever think about the insane legal ramifications willy wonka would have faced if charlie and the chocolate factory was real. like. yes, the children and their guardians signed a waiver, but surely wonka is liable for a shit ton of violations and malpractices taking place inside his factory? not to mention the slaves he took from their native land to employ in a factory that violates probably every single OSHA regulation there is.

no rails on the bridge or by the chocolate river, no emergency stop for the giant pipe. no emergency stop for the trash chute. no safety measures around the tv. the only person who is genuinely responsible for her own grievance is violet who took a piece of gum from wonka, and continued chewing even after he told her to spit it out. the rest of what happens is just willful negligence on wonka’s part considering his feeble protests whenever a kid does something they’re not supposed to do. and obviously, a lot of the responsibility lies with the parents who are also negligent, but still, they entrusted a man with their children’s safety and the man in question made literally zero effort to keep those kids safe in his factory.

absolute insanity.

anyway if i knew anything about laws i would make a great attorney

[lboogie1906]

Mayor William H. Herrington (August 15, 1950) the first African American Mayor of Lawrenceville, Virginia was born in Hartsville, South Carolina to Henry Herrington, a transportation worker from Darlington County, and Carrie Boyd Herrington, a housekeeper from Chester County, South Carolina.

He graduated from Butler High School, Hartsville, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He was a member of the South Carolina 1968 Triple-A Championship Basketball Team. He enrolled in Saint Paul’s College, where he pledged the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He married Brenda Reese (1971), a project manager from Kenbridge, Virginia. He was the captain of the tennis team. He received a BA in History.

He earned his JD from Howard University Law School. He graduated from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Herrington became a member of the DC Bar Association and the Virginia Bar Association.

He practiced law in both public and private arenas. He served as a trial attorney for OSHA and Lee and Harvey and as a senior trial attorney for Brown, Brown, and Brown. He was named vice president for institutional advancement and director of admissions at Saint Paul’s College.

In 2014, he became the mayor of Lawrenceville. He supported early childhood education and established the “Mayor’s Pre-K Book Club,” which earned the Virginia Municipal League “Stairway to Success” statewide award. He advocated for children and education by encouraging students to participate in the VML “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest. He revived the local farmers market, established a community wellness committee, and brought multiple health-related events to the community. He was instrumental in bringing the first Remote Area Medical clinic to the region, which provides medical services to residents of impoverished, isolated, and underserved areas.

The Lawrenceville Town Council presented him with a resolution for successfully serving the people of Lawrenceville through outstanding leadership and creative abilities for promoting the town. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #omegapsiphi

[stickers-on-a-laptop]

well THAT is 1. not osha compliant 2. a great way to drive ace attorney fans nuts i think