NAM files lawsuit to block OSHA’s finalized “walkaround” rule
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), in conjunction with other business groups, is trying to challenge OSHA’s finalized “walkaround” rule, formally called the Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process. The organizations filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Texas to block the revised rule, which was finalized in April and goes into effect May 31.
The updated rule will allow an unlimited number of third parties, which can include union representatives, plaintiffs’ attorneys, and community organizers, to be a part of OSHA safety inspections. The NAM believes that this change fails to advance OSHA’s mission of ensuring workplace safety, goes beyond the department’s authority, and violates businesses’ rights. Revisions to the walkaround rule were proposed in August 2023, and the NAM submitted comments and urged OSHA to withdraw it.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, NAM Chief Legal Officer Linda Kelly said, “OSHA’s rule does nothing to advance its mission of improving workplace safety. This rule is well beyond the scope of OSHA’s authority, and it infringes on manufacturers’ right to exclude others from their property, threatens new liabilities and risks compromising manufacturers’ intellectual property. The NAM Legal Center is filing suit to prevent this harm.”
OSHA in the news
Glass manufacturer fined $145K for repeat safety violations, including a lack of worker training
The company was investigated in January after inspections in October and December 2022 found workers exposed to machine hazards.
Automotive supplier fined $315K by OSHA after worker is crushed to death
The company was cited for similar violations in 2022.
Modular home manufacturer fined $272K by OSHA for 27 health and safety violations
Cavco has been cited for 38 workplace safety and health violations since 2015.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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