Introduction
My focus
My practice is focused exclusively on matters involving occupational safety and health for employers of all sizes. I support clients in all aspects of litigation against OSHA and provide strategic advice to employers looking to understand the impact of OSHA regulations on their workplaces and operations.
I have extensive experience handling fatality, accident and complaint investigations in a broad range of industries including energy, healthcare, telecommunications, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and processing.
I represent employers and industry stakeholders throughout OSHA rulemaking proceedings, including drafting comments and participating in OSHA’s informal public hearings on proposed rules.
I previously served as an attorney for the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), which gives me a unique insight into the OSHA citation process.
/Insights
Presentations
- How to Safely Re-open Your Office, German American Chamber of Commerce – (May 4, 2021)
- COVID-19 in the U.S.: Employment Law Changes and Challenges During the Pandemic, China General Chamber of Commerce—U.S.A. Webinar (March 16, 2021)
- Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard, Northstate SHRM (February 18, 2021)
- COVID-19’s Impact on Employment Law in New York, New York State Judicial Institute (New York State Unified Court System) (July 14-15, 2020)
Publications
- “Decline in number of inspectors hampers OSHA operations,” Business Insurance, December 21, 2022
- “Employers left without guidance as COVID protocols wane,” Business Insurance, October 4, 2022
- “California Issues Monkeypox Guidance for Employers,” SHRM Online, September 21, 2022
- “California Alters Close Contact and Infectious Period Definitions Under COVID rules,” SHRM Online, June 30, 2022
- “Biden Shot-or-Test Mandate Collides with Faith-Based Objections,” Bloomberg Law, November 16, 2021
In the news
- Bloomberg Law
Delays to OSHA infectious disease rule rankle health
Feb 5, 2025This article covers a delay in the long-anticipated rulemaking and protections against infectious diseases for healthcare workers as the industry waits for President Trump to unfreeze new regulations and name leaders at OSHA. San Francisco Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters, co-leader of NP’s OSHA team, is quoted in the coverage, noting that until the OSHA leadership positions are filled, it’s unclear what a Trump-led OSHA will focus on.
- KSVY-FM
The morning show
Dec 9, 2024In this radio segment, San Francisco Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters, co-leader of NP’s OSHA team discusses new California statewide worker safety and health regulations that will go into effect after January 1, 2025. Melissa covers mandatory workplace violence prevention program requirements that began going into effect in July, regulations around safety training for live event and stadium workers, the expansion of Cal/OSHA laws to apply to certain domestic service workers, and changes to the lead exposure limit standards based on currently available scientific data.
- KSVY-FM
Morning show
Nov 11, 2024San Francisco Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters, co-leader of NP’s OSHA team, joined this radio segment to discuss a variety of topics around Cal/OSHA and employer compliance with regulations. Melissa discusses the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, outdoor and indoor heat regulations, automatic mechanization equipment in the workplace, and best practices for employee workforce education and prevention.
- Bloomberg Law
Safety review board lawsuit adds fuel to agency power struggle
Sep 25, 2024Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters of San Francisco and counsel Eric Compere of Los Angeles, co-leaders of NP’s OSHA team, provide commentary in this article covering Kenric Steel LLC’s lawsuit against the US Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission seeking to block enforcement of a $348,000 safety fine against it. Melissa and Eric discuss how the OSHRC litigation will set the stage for future lawsuits, citing Supreme Court decisions focused on reining in federal agencies’ adjudicative powers, as well as the reaction from the business community and smaller employers.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody adds duo as OSHA practice chairs
May 24, 2024The following article features the NP arrivals of Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters of San Francisco and counsel Eric Compere of Los Angeles, co-leaders of NP’s OSHA team.
- Bloomberg Law
Nixon Peabody expands OSHA practice with partner, counsel
May 23, 2024The following article features the NP arrivals of Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters of San Francisco and counsel Eric Compere of Los Angeles, co-leaders of NP’s OSHA team.
- Reuters
The Daily Docket
May 23, 2024The following article features the NP arrivals of Labor & Employment partner Melissa Peters of San Francisco and counsel Eric Compere of Los Angeles, co-leaders of NP’s OSHA team.
Admitted to practice
California
Montana
Education
Fordham University School of Law, J.D.
Syracuse University, B.A.
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllShelagh C.N. Michaud
Senior Attorney- Providence
- Office:+1 401.454.1133Mobile:+1 401.316.2504
- smichaud@nixonpeabody.com
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