Workplace Environmental, Health and Safety

Workplace environmental, health and safety (EH&S) requirements under both the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state EH&S agencies (e.g., Connecticut OSHA (CONN-OSHA)) requirements are complex, evolving and stringent. For employers, particularly those in industries susceptible to workplace injuries and safety hazards, it is imperative to have an experienced legal team to help navigate the regulatory landscape and to create a safe and healthy work environment. Shipman lawyers assist clients in a variety of industries subject to EH&S requirements, such as aerospace, maritime, consumer products, manufacturing, food and beverage, and healthcare, as well as state and municipal employers subject to state EH&S requirements. With decades of experience, our team is prepared to assist clients in handling various types of hazards, including fall protection, machine shop issues, personal protective equipment (PPE), confined spaces, noise, chemical hazards (e.g., chrome VI, cadmium and beryllium), indoor air quality (e.g., mold, radon, volatile organic compounds), hazardous building materials (e.g., asbestos, lead, PCBs), electrical safety and hazard communication.

Shipman’s approach to representation begins with understanding the EH&S issues and concerns unique to each client’s business or transaction. Our lawyers assist employers in proactive measures such as providing compliance guidance, undertaking privileged third-party compliance assessments/audits, developing EHS management systems/programs and training and fulfilling reporting requirements. We also assist and represent clients in investigations, citations and worker complaints in formal proceedings before OSHA and state EH&S agencies.