Stakeholders speak, OSHA 'listens'

OSHA administrator David Michaels on Thursday heard 45 presentations from various stakeholders on how OSHA can best address key issues the agency faces.

The daylong "OSHA Listens" public meeting was intended to solicit comments and suggestions on topics such as emerging or unaddressed workplace health and safety issues, decreasing the time it takes to promulgate a standard, and improving compliance assistance.

Speakers at the event included family members of workers killed, unions and industry groups. Among the comments made during the hearing and posted on the Department of Labor's Twitter page:

• The American Public Health Association said protection of workers would be ensured through tough enforcement and adoption of new regulations.
• Continued emphasis on compliance assistance is the best way to enhance and encourage employers' efforts to address workplace hazards, the National Federation of Independent Business said.
• The Western New York Council on Occupational Safety and Health wants OSHA to use the General Duty Clause for ergonomics hazards.

Comments from stakeholders and the public are being accepted for the record until March 30. The meeting streamed live online, but some viewers reported experiencing an "intermittent technical problem.” However, portions of the meeting will be archived on OSHA's Website, the agency said.