Aaron Gelb

Career

Aaron R. Gelb is a co-managing partner of Conn Maciel Carey and leads the firm’s Midwest OSHA practice from his office in the Chicago Loop (directly across the street from OSHA’s Region V office). For the past 28 years, Aaron has exclusively represented employers, regularly advising and represents clients in relation to OSHA inspections, serious incident investigations, and enforcement actions involving federal OSHA and state OSH programs, while managing a full range of litigation against OSHA. Recognizing that preventing injuries and illnesses is preferable to obtaining a positive outcome in an inspection, Aaron works closely with clients to draft, review, and revise safety and health programs, while also coordinating privileged third-party safety audits.

Aaron is frequently asked to speak about workplace safety and health topics at conferences, seminars, and industry-specific forums including the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, the American Trucking Associations, the Tractor Trailer Manufacturing Association, the National Grain and Feed Association, and the Midwest Food Products Association. Aaron is a regular presenter at the Chicagoland Safety Conference and has, for the past 5 years, organized the Illinois Manufacturers Association’s workplace safety and health education series, which includes quarterly webinars and 4 programs during June (Safety Month). Aaron also presents several programs each year for the firm’s OSHA Webinar Series.

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association, Occupational Safety and Health Law Committee

Publications

Aaron is a frequent contributor to CMC’s OSHA Defense Report blog.

Personal

Recognizing that our legal system depends on equal access to the privileges and protections it provides, and believing passionately that those without means deserve competent representation, Aaron is a frequent participant in the Northern District of Illinois’ Settlement Assistance Program in which he provides pro bono legal assistance to pro se litigants in court-led settlement conferences. At the height of the pandemic, Aaron served as a panelist during a program focused on compliance and legal concerns facing Black-owned small businesses struggling to survive in the face of COVID-19.

Practice Areas

OSHA • Workplace Safety

Labor and Employment