On Aug. 30, OSHA announced it was delaying full enforcement of its residential construction fall protection requirements. This was the fourth delay. Here’s a timeline of the events:

• Dec. 16, 2010 – A new directive is published that essentially requires residential construction employers to follow the same fall protection rules as other construction employers. An older directive allowed employers in residential construction to more easily bypass these requirements.
• June 9, 2011 – OSHA announces a three-month phase-in period, ending Sept. 16, 2011, during which enforcement of the new directive is delayed. Employers found violating the new directive will not be cited if they are in compliance with the older directive.
• June 16, 2011 – The new directive goes into effect.
• Sept. 22, 2011 – OSHA announces a new, six-month enforcement policy under which violators of fall protection requirements receive penalty reductions and extended abatement dates, accompanied by priority onsite consultations. The policy is set to end March 15, 2012.
• Feb. 15, 2012 – OSHA announces it is extending the enforcement policy for six months, now ending Sept. 15, 2012.
• Aug. 30, 2012 – OSHA announces it is extending the enforcement policy a second time for three months.
• Dec. 15, 2012 – Date the enforcement policy’s second extension currently is scheduled to end.

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