Washington – OSHA’s final rule on silica could come as early as February, according to the fall regulatory agenda released Nov. 19.
The agenda outlines the projected dates and steps for all of OSHA’s regulatory actions. Dates listed on the agenda often are missed. However, an update to the silica rule has been a priority for OSHA in recent years, and many stakeholders anticipate the agency issuing the final rule before President Barack Obama leaves office.
Other final rules expected in early 2016:
- Revision of procedures OSHA follows to obtain employee medical information (January)
- Improve tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses (March)
- Eye and face protection (March)
- Slips, trips and falls (April)
The agency announced in the agenda that it would seek stakeholder comments on potentially updating three older standards, including:
In the coming year, OSHA also is scheduled to request feedback on developing new rules for unregulated hazards, including tree care operations and the organic solvent 1-bromopropane. In addition, the agency will invite input on whether to revoke obsolete permissible exposure limits.
