News
OSHA must review its Process Safety Management Standard in response to President Barack Obama’s executive order to improve chemical safety.
The Chemical Safety Board classifies the status of its recommendations for OSHA as “unacceptable” by suggesting the agency has not implemented board recommendations in a timely manner.
OSHA spent only slightly more than half of funding allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for additional compliance inspections.
Notable proposed fines
$293,450 to a shipyard in Guam for a variety of alleged hazards, including electrical and fall
$193,300 to a sugar co-op in Montana for a variety of violations pertaining to electrical equipment, fire exits and stairway railings
$131,670 to a Texas construction company in connection with a fatal explosion that killed an employee while he was torch cutting a flammable barrel
Happening this week
Aug. 6 – OSHA sponsors safety stand-down training to raise awareness of fall hazards at construction sites throughout the South
Review Counter
Below is a count of how many days recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of Aug. 5:
| # of Days | OSHA Proposal |
| 903 | Silica (proposed rule) |
| 622 | Modernizing OSHA’s reporting system for injuries and illnesses (proposed rule) |
| 404 | Electric power transmission and distribution; electrical protective equipment (final rule) |
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.
The opinions expressed in "Washington Wire" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.