OSHA roundup for July 2, 2012

Today marks the start of a new weekly addition to “Washington Wire” – a roundup of the latest OSHA-related news. Come back here every Monday morning for a quick glance at important OSHA events from the preceding week – everything from penalties to what was discussed at recent hearings, and more.

News

The House Education and the Workforce Committee’s Workforce Protections Subcommittee explored the benefits of the Voluntary Protection Programs.

OSHA hosted a stakeholder meeting on how to better assess the effectiveness of State Plan states.

OSHA released a final rule updating head protection standards.

Notable proposed fines

$463,000 to four contractors for alleged fall hazards found at a Jersey City, NJ, construction site

$86,200 to Atlanta-based manufacturer Spruill Products under the Site-Specific Targeting Program (.pdf file) for allegations of failing to provide a hearing conservation program, eye and face protection, and lockout/tagout procedures

Review counter

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs – part of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget – reviews proposed regulations. The process is required for most rules before they can move forward, and typically takes 90 days.

Below is a count of how long recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of July 2, 2012:

• 504 days – Silica (proposed rule)
• 223 days – Modernizing OSHA’s reporting system for injuries and illnesses (proposed rule)
• 5 days – Electric power transmission and distribution; electrical protective equipment (final rule)

Happening this week

July 4 – For workers in the pyrotechnics industry, be sure to use caution this Independence Day.

July 6 – Deadline to submit comments (.pdf file) on how OSHA can better assess State Plan effectiveness

The opinions expressed in "Washington Wire" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.