Question: We have seen in this chapter that OSHA shares responsibility for workplace health and safety with a variety of other federal agencies (such as the U.S. Coast Guard), as well as state and local governmental bodies and even private rights of action (as in the secondhand smoke cases). In this case, the Teamsters Union was endeavoring to unionize the Overnite Transportation Company's Bedford, Illinois, facility. In furtherance of those organizing efforts, Teamsterpaid pickets appeared at the work site armed with ax handles disguised as picket signs.
In the ensuing confrontation, some of the company's employees, mainly security guards, were injured. Which governmental body should have jurisdiction over this case: OSHA, the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. District Court, or an appropriate state court? See Overnite Transportation Co. v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America [773 N.E.2d 26 (Ill. App. 2002)].