Regulations/Legislation

Washington – A final rule updating OSHA standards for power line workers has cleared one of the final regulatory hurdles and could be published as soon as March.

As the reported number of worker fatalities and injuries continues to trend downward, budgetary uncertainty may affect OSHA’s role in helping to create safer workplaces. And after more than 40 years of the agency’s existence, how has that role evolved?

Washington – The Office of Management and Budget has concluded a review of a draft rule that would update OSHA's Process Safety Management Standard, and the safety agency has formally requested input from the public.

Washington – OSHA on Dec. 3 announced a request for information regarding potential changes to its Process Safety Management Standard and related enforcement policies.

Washington – The notice of proposed rulemaking for OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program Standard has been delayed nine months, according to the agency’s fall semiannual regulatory agenda, published Nov. 26.

Washington – A Senate bill introduced Nov. 13 would require new rest regulations for pilots – set to go into effect in January – to include cargo aircraft pilots, who previously were exempted.

Washington – OSHA has issued a direct final rule to align aspects of the agency’s Mechanical Power Presses Standard with a voluntary consensus standard.

Washington – OSHA is considering a change to its Process Safety Management Standard and has sent a prerule-stage draft to the Office of Management and Budget for review.

New York – A new online tool from the American National Standards Institute provides free “read-only” access to certain voluntary consensus standards that have been incorporated by reference into federal regulations.

Washington – A proposed rule that would modernize OSHA’s reporting system has cleared one regulatory hurdle and could be published soon.