Stores and their related warehouses are more likely to be inspected in some states that have their own workplace safety agencies than are retailers instates covered by federal OSHA, a report looking at nearly six months worth of inspections found.
The study by the law firm Haynes and Boone LLP covered the first half of fiscal year 2015.
Accounting for 41 percent of the 1,591 inspections studied were four state plans—California (174), North Carolina (93), Oregon (124) and Washington (79)—and Puerto Rico’s safety agency (183).
Haynes and Boone Partner Matthew Deffebach, whose practice includes retail industry clients, said state plans’ propensity to inspect retailers, compared with federal OSHA, reflects different enforcement priorities.
Excerpted from Bloomberg BNA Occupational Safety & Health Reporter. To read the full article, please click here (subscription required).