Editor’s Note: Weighing in ‘On Safety’

As expected, the new presidential administration has begun with a flurry of activity related to worker safety.

It also has generated speculation in the occupational safety community on what an OSHA emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 – also expected – might and should include. One person with definite opinions on that topic is Richard Fairfax. Many of you may know Rich as a former deputy director of OSHA. And if you’re a longtime attendee of the National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo, you may have seen him unveil OSHA’s yearly “Top 10” most cited violations and stay long after the presentation had ended to answer specific questions from safety pros.

Most recently, Rich had been part of the ORC HSE Strategies group. Now, after NSC’s acquisition of the firm in November, he’s sharing his expertise as a member of the NSC-ORC HSE team, and S+H is pleased to provide a platform through our rebooted blog, On Safety.

Rich and others will weigh in on a wide variety of topics. In his first post, Rich discusses why, in his view, an OSHA ETS strictly limited to COVID-19 “would be a mistake.” He also explains the ETS process and what employers and safety pros can expect if (or, most likely, when) one is issued. In his second post, he changes gears and answers a question he’s frequently asked about powered industrial trucks. (Have you ever wondered if golf carts used in a warehouse are considered PITs?) Check them out at safetyandhealthmagazine.com/onsafety, and help start a conversation.

The opinions expressed in “Editor’s Note” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.