What legal issue did Marshall v. Barlow primarily address for OSHA?

The case of Marshall v. Barlow is significant for understanding the balance between workplace inspection authority and Fourth Amendment rights. Specifically, it primarily addressed the issue of the right of entry for OSHA inspectors. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that OSHA inspectors could not enter private workplaces without a warrant or the employer's consent. This ruling underscored the importance of protecting the privacy rights of employers, thereby establishing that employers had a right to refuse entry under certain circumstances unless officials had probable cause or a warrant.

This decision highlighted the legal framework surrounding how OSHA exercises its enforcement capabilities. It emphasized that while OSHA has the responsibility to ensure workplace safety, it must do so in a manner that respects the constitutional rights of individuals and businesses. By focusing on the right of entry, the case set a crucial precedent for how OSHA's inspection protocols are developed and implemented, impacting future enforcement actions and defining the agency's relationship with employers.