V&E has deep and broad experience representing clients in occupational safety and health law. On behalf of clients in a range of industries, our lawyers have litigated significant cases before the Occupational Safety and Health Commission (OSHA) and the Mine Safety Health Commission (MSHA). We have also represented clients in these matters at all levels of the administrative and judicial system, including the United States Supreme Court.
Before OSHA or MSHA show up for an inspection, V&E provides clients practical advice regarding processes and procedures. Based on experience in litigation and handling serious safety incidents, V&E provides cost-effective prevention assistance through employee training and audits. When inspections do occur, our lawyers are ideally suited to deal with OSHA and MSHA representatives, including local, regional, and national directors or Department of Labor solicitors.
Following any serious safety incident, V&E gives clients additional advantages through our efficient, responsive, and comprehensive best practices developed through our experience dealing with high-profile cases with sensitive public relations issues. Our response team also has the ability to call upon a seasoned team of V&E litigators (civil or criminal) and environmental lawyers to meet client needs.
Representative Matters- Represented clients in over 20 OSHA and MSHA cases where underlying OSHA investigation occurred due to an employee fatality. Two of these cases involved criminal charges and negotiated plea agreements.
- Represented clients in the petrochemical industry in OSHA investigations following high profile catastrophic explosions, in which we provided immediate on site support and representation.
- Obtained dismissal after trial of citations related to fatal crane collapses and falls onboard offshore oil rigs.
- Obtained dismissal prior to trial of citation related to fatality on land rig.
- Obtained dismissal after trial of citations relating to fatalities and electrical and lockout/tagout standards, which was subsequently affirmed by the OSHA Review Commission.
- Drafted safety policies and provided training for health care employers on OSHA safety regulations, including blood-borne pathogens.
- Assisted clients in conducting safety and recordkeeping audits.
- Represented clients in Special Investigations which could have resulted in civil or criminal findings against individual managers and obtained substantial reduction in assessments issued by the Mine Safety Health Commission.