Most employers are aware that the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) can issue monetary penalties for health and
safety violations occurring in the workplace. However, what
employers may not know is that OSHA has also been referring
workplace safety violations to state district attorney offices in
fatality cases for potential manslaughter or other state criminal
charges. In a contributed article appearing in Occupational
Health & Safety, Kristin R.B. White discusses state
prosecutors' increased interest in potential criminal charges
for OSHA violations. In her conclusion, White shares advice for
companies facing similar charges, stating, "In the unfortunate
circumstances of a workplace fatality, key management personnel
should consult with legal counsel prior to entering into
settlements with OSHA in order to fully understand the risk of any
potential future criminal charges."
