Safety in the workplace is crucial, not only from a compliance standpoint, but, more importantly, from the reality that no employer wants one of its employees to suffer an injury on the job. Drug and alcohol problems, in the meantime, create a considerable chance of workplace injury and, sometimes, death.

The increase in workplace safety law enforcement has required employers to address the demands imposed by the state and federal agencies that enforce these standards and regulations. At the same time, however, clients who go to PoGo to develop fully-integrated safety programs often find that there is a significant decrease in the costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses, including a reduction in the payment of workers' compensation benefits.

Powell Goldstein's national OSHA practice includes representation of management in safety and health litigation arising out of enforcement actions in both federal and state OSHA administered plans. We also provide counseling services, which includes developing written safety and health programs, conducting health and safety compliance audits, and assisting employers with OSHA standards and regulations. The firm's lawyers also have a vast amount of experience in dealing with drug and alcohol testing and avoidance programs.

Together, we have:

• Represented employers before the Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, and other federal and state agencies
• Assisted employers during OSHA compliance safety and health inspections
• Defended employers against complaints of retaliation and whistleblowing violations filed with federal and state OSHA offices
• Counseled employers on the development of safety and health programs
• Performed safety and health audits to ensure compliance with standards and regulations
• Represented employers in Agency rulemaking activities, including the preparation of written comments and testimony on behalf of employers and associations
• Conducted training for management and supervisors on OSHA requirements, including OSHA recordkeeping, safety rules, and ergonomics
• Evaluated safety and health (OSHA) compliance as part of the due diligence process during acquisition of a new entity
• Prepared programs and advised businesses on drug and alcohol testing
• Handled international sports doping case and assisted Olympic sports in the creation of their anti-doping programs