The Department of Labor on Nov. 21 released its semiannual regulatory agenda. Here’s what regulations OSHA is working on, and when they’re expected to be released.
Three final rules are in the works:
- Confined Spaces in Construction – March 2015
- Walking Working Surfaces – June 2015
- Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses – August 2015
OSHA intends to issue nine notices of proposed rulemaking:
- Digital Partners -
- Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain Accurate Records of Each Recordable Injury and Illness – November 2014
- Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards Eye and Face Protection – December 2014
- Standards Improvement Project IV – December 2014
- Cranes and Derricks in Construction Amendments – January 2015
- Occupational Exposure to Beryllium – January 2015
- Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol – March 2015
- Crane Operator Qualification in Construction – March 2015
- Injury and Illness Prevention Program – To be determined
OSHA will undertake proceedings to comply with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act for:
- Infectious Diseases – December 2014 (Complete proceedings)
- Process Safety Management and Prevention of Major Chemical Accidents – June 2015 (Initiate proceedings)
- Combustible Dust – February 2016 (Initiate proceedings)
- Preventing Backover Injuries and Fatalities – June 2016 (Initiate proceedings)
The agency intends to issue a Request for Information on each of the following rules:
- Communication Towers – November 2014
- Shipyard Fall Protection – January 2015
Three other rules being considered include:
- A rule on Emergency Response and Preparedness will be discussed in upcoming National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health workgroup meetings by April 2015.
- OSHA will analyze comments on its Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica rule by June 2015.
- The agency is considering updating its Hazard Communication Standard, but has not yet determined what action to take.
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