OSHA seeks to revise existing safety standards

A new project by OSHA is aimed at eliminating outdated requirements and bringing existing standards into the 21st century.

The Standards Improvement Project would revise and remove requirements within several agency standards that are no longer relevant, duplicative or inconsistent, and bring rules up-to-date to help employers better understand their regulatory obligations.

For example, OSHA is proposing that the project update the definition for "potable water" in its sanitation regulations with the current Environmental Protection Agency clean water standard. In addition, the agency is proposing to remove an outdated provision in the bloodborne pathogens standard that requires employers to provide hand dryers that use warm air. Officials said newer technologies allow the use of room temperature air.

NIOSH seeks updated approach to carcinogens in the workplace (09/19/11)
Washington: Hearings to focus on cranes in construction work (09/29/11)
Proposal would formalize voluntary health and safety program (06/20/11)
OSHA restructures antiretaliation program, updates manual (08/29/11)
Food flavorings focus of NIOSH exposure recommendations (09/27/11)

Recommendations for the project evolved through the agency's review of its standards, suggestions and comments from the public, and recommendations from the Office of Management and Budget.

Individuals who are interested in submitting comments for this proposed rule can do so through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be submitted by mail to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2006-0049, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. OSHA will accept comments until Sept. 30.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

September 2, 2010

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