Kiewit Power Constructors Co. v. Secretary of Labor

**What Happened** Kiewit Power Constructors, a construction company, challenged a workplace safety requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The dispute centered on whether construction sites must have quick-drenching eyewash stations available for workers who might get hazardous chemicals or materials in their eyes. Kiewit argued this safety requirement was unreasonable for their type of construction work. **What the Court Decided** The court sided with the Department of Labor and OSHA. The appeals court reversed an earlier decision that had favored the company and ruled that OSHA's interpretation of workplace safety laws was reasonable and should be respected. The court confirmed that construction companies must provide quick-drenching eyewash facilities when workers could be exposed to harmful substances. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling strengthens workplace safety protections for construction workers. It confirms that employers cannot easily avoid providing important safety equipment like emergency eyewash stations, even if they argue the requirements are too burdensome. The decision reinforces that worker safety takes priority over employer convenience, and that OSHA has broad authority to enforce safety standards across different industries.