Premium Associate Member Spotlight: Conn Maciel Carey
This article appeared in the February 2026 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
Being proactive is always a good idea in manufacturing. But when it comes to addressing safety and the regulatory environment — an ounce of prevention can positively impact the bottom line.
Take this real-life scenario: An employee files a complaint with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). MIOSHA sends a letter to the company, and the company responds with one paragraph that lacks detail and context, leading to an on-site inspection and a series of unrelated citations coupled with a hefty fine.
If that same company, however, had retained counsel before sending the ill-advised letter, the legal fees associated with reviewing and revising the response so that it adequately addressed the hazards alleged in the letter, convincing MIOSHA their concerns are without merit or have been properly addressed so there is no need to open an inspection, would have been many times less than the amount of the fines, says Aaron Gelb, Co-Managing Partner at Conn Maciel Carey (CMC), a national law firm that specializes in safety risk management.
As it works with clients, CMC integrates legal strategy with on-site assessments, program development and operational improvements.
With its Michigan office in Troy, CMC represents employers in any interaction with workplace safety regulatory agencies, including MIOSHA, federal OSHA, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
“We travel to site locations to support OSHA investigations and, when an incident occurs, we work directly with the business — under attorney-client privilege — to conduct a root-cause analysis and identify opportunities to strengthen safety programs,” says Anthony Casaletta, Senior Counsel at CMC. The goal is to help employers manage risk, improve compliance and be better positioned in the event of an OSHA investigation.”
Our Key to Success
Consistency and credibility. We build trust by staying prepared, understanding enforcement trends and following through on our guidance.
Gelb says CMC works to understand how safety, sanitation, production and operational requirements intersect and then develop procedures within those boundaries.
Conducting a safety audit to identify and address red flags can be an effective tool, says Gelb. CMC often contracts with third- party safety consultants, many of whom are former regulators to conduct audits.
“While attorney-client privilege is not absolute, it can provide employers with an important additional layer of protection,” says Casaletta.
If businesses choose to handle audits on their own, managers should use documented checklists rather than rely on informal inspections, Casaletta says. Clear procedures, training and auditing may reduce accidents and limit liability by demonstrating compliance efforts.
Employee safety concerns are particularly significant in the food and beverage industry. Keeping workers safe during sanitation processes is a substantial challenge, so it’s essential that they comply with safety protocols, especially regarding lockout/tagout procedures, Gelb adds.
How We Motivate Our Clients
We make compliance tangible and achievable. When employers have a clear, practical approach, they become more proactive.
“Clients rely on us to provide clear, reliable advice that balances regulatory requirements with operational realities,” he says. “We do this through lockout/tagout evaluations, industrial hygiene assessments and program reviews allowing us to support clients in achieving compliance while keeping their operations running efficiently.”
Building a resilient safety program not only protects workers but also supports growth and operational excellence. Starting the process with the right legal guidance can make a significant difference.
Conn Maciel Carey is an MMA Premium Associate Member and has been an MMA member company since July 2025. Visit online: www.connmaciel.com.