(SHRM) - In a final rule issued March 29, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) clarified that workers may authorize another employee or nonemployee to serve as their representative to accompany an OSHA compliance officer during a workplace inspection. The new rule takes effect May 31.
“Worker involvement in the inspection process is essential for thorough and effective inspections and making workplaces safer,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “The Occupational Safety and Health Act gives employers and employees equal opportunity for choosing representation during the OSHA inspection process, and this rule returns us to the fair, balanced approach Congress intended.”