Worker walkaround rule takes effect May 31

OSHA’s worker walkaround rule, which expands the criteria for who employees can authorize to act as their representative during an inspection, takes effect May 31.

The final rule amends 1903.8, Representatives of Employers and Employees, to clarify that during an OSHA inspection, the representative authorized by employees may be an employee of the employer or a third party. The third-party employee representative may accompany the OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) when, in the CSHO’s judgment, good cause has been shown why they are reasonably necessary to aid in the inspection.

The rule also clarifies that a third party may be reasonably necessary because of their relevant knowledge, skills, or experience with hazards or conditions in the workplace or similar workplaces, or language or communication skills.