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."
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