Occupational Safety and Health Law

Vedder represents employers across the United States and its territories in navigating complex workplace safety and health matters under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and corresponding state laws. The firm works with organizations of all sizes and industries, including manufacturing, chemical/refinery, healthcare, retail/grocery, transportation/aviation and construction. We help clients manage regulatory obligations, mitigate risks and respond effectively to incidents that can disrupt operations and impact employees.

Vedder approaches workplace safety with a results-focused mindset, anticipating challenges and advising on strategies that prevent enforcement issues and operational disruption. Our attorneys draw on extensive experience across industries and legal disciplines, to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Whether preparing for an OSHA inspection, responding to an accident or reviewing safety protocols, our team helps employers maintain compliance, protect their workforce, and manage risk.

The firm assists clients with the following:

• Representing employers during inspections, investigations and enforcement actions by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state plan equivalent agencies
• Handling all aspects of OSHA litigation, including appeals of OSHA citations and negotiation of settlements that minimize the impact of enforcement actions and possible wrongful death and injury cases
• Responding to and managing investigations of catastrophic industrial, construction, manufacturing and other workplace accidents, including explosions, collapses and chemical releases
• Defending employers against complaints of retaliation and whistleblowing claims
• Providing counseling on compliance with standards and regulations, the implementation of safety and health programs and procedures, injury and illness recordkeeping audits, and safety and health training