OSHRC agency description

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) adjudicates contested enforcement actions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. 651–678, as described in 2400.2.

• OSHRC decides cases after the parties are given an opportunity for a hearing. See Part 2400 general information for the part context.

Yes; the Description of agency in 2400.2 states that all hearings are open to the public.

• That means members of the public may attend hearings where contested enforcement matters are heard.

Hearings are conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at a place convenient to the parties, as stated in 2400.2.

• The ALJ presides over the hearing and issues decisions that the Commission may later review.

Yes; 2400.2 provides that any Commissioner may direct that a decision of an Administrative Law Judge be reviewed by the full Commission.

• This allows the Commission to rehear and decide on the judge’s ruling.

The President designates one of the Commissioners as Chairman, and that Chairman is responsible on behalf of the Commission for its administrative operations, according to 2400.2.

• Administrative responsibilities typically include managing Commission operations and overseeing administrative matters.

Hearings are conducted at a place convenient to the parties, as specified in 2400.2.

• This means the ALJ schedules the hearing location to make attendance and participation reasonably accessible for the parties involved.

Parties are given an opportunity for a hearing before the Commission decides cases, per the Description of agency in 2400.2.

• That opportunity includes a public hearing presided over by an Administrative Law Judge and the potential for Commission review of the judge’s decision.

The Commission decides cases after the parties have been given an opportunity for a hearing, which may include decisions issued by an Administrative Law Judge and review by the full Commission as provided in 2400.2.

• In practice, the ALJ issues initial decisions and the Commission may review those decisions if a Commissioner directs review.

OSHRC adjudicates contested enforcement actions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, codified at 29 U.S.C. 651–678, as stated in 2400.2.

• The Commission’s role is to decide disputes arising under that federal statute following an opportunity for hearing.

Any Commissioner may direct that a decision of an Administrative Law Judge be reviewed by the full Commission, according to 2400.2.

• This internal mechanism lets individual Commissioners bring judgments to the full Commission for consideration.

Yes; 2400.2 requires hearings to be conducted at a place convenient to the parties, which is intended to make participation feasible.

• Convenience can cover geographic location and scheduling to reduce barriers to attendance.

The regulation specifies that all hearings are open to the public, as set out in 2400.2, which supports transparency in adjudicating contested enforcement actions.

• Public hearings allow observers and promote openness in Commission decision-making.