Thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the federal government has been keeping a watchful eye on workplace safety conditions in the name of preventing worker injuries, fatalities and illnesses. The agency responsible for setting and enforcing employee health and safety standards is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Citations and fines […]
The on-again, off-again requirement to electronically submit certain OSHA forms may be on-again if the agency carries through with an item on its Spring 2021 Regulatory Agenda. OSHA intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in December 2021 to re-establish a rule that was enacted in 2016 but removed in January 2019. Establishments […]
OSHA has agreed to revise language in several of its documents on beryllium dust following a settlement with multiple companies that filed lawsuits over the agency’s Beryllium Standard in 2017. The settlement agreement, which was filed May 26, will see changes to several of the agency’s facts sheets, frequently asked questions (FAQ) documents and webpages […]
OSHA is proposing updates to clarify its handrail (1910.28) and stair rail system (1910.29) for the general industry Walking-Working Surfaces standard after receiving numerous questions regarding the standard’s requirements. A final rule on walking-working surfaces was published in 2016 – the proposed rule doesn’t reopen any discussion on decisions regarding that rulemaking – and OSHA wants […]
A Minnesota contractor has agreed to increase employee training on trenching hazards and pay a $380,000 penalty after reaching a settlement with OSHA. Wagner Construction, a contractor who specializes in excavation, has agreed to pay the $380,000 penalty and provide immediate training on trenching and excavation hazards to its jobsite employees, managers and supervisors. The […]
At the request of stakeholders, OSHA has extended the comment period on its proposed Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) update. Here’s what you need to know, direct from three OSHA staffers. This update was presented by Janet Carter and Deana Holmes, both health scientists, and Jennifer Lawless, an industrial hygienist, all with OSHA’s Standards Directorate, at […]
OSHA conducts 30,000-35,000 inspections a year, and there’s a chance it could pay you a visit. If that happens, be aware that some hazards that don’t have a specific standard have become so prevalent that the agency is citing employers under the OSH Act 5(a)(1) General Duty Clause. During the Premier Learning Solutions webinar “OSHA’s New Targeted […]
The time is right to review your records and conduct a safety compliance analysis. As of December, OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting (SST) inspection program for non-construction employers with 20+ employees is back and will run for two years. Also, recently appointed U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh has directed the agency to ramp up inspections. For […]
It appears OSHA’s update of its hazard communication standard will be slightly delayed. OSHA has extended the comment period for the proposed rule to update the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to May 19, 2021. The comment period was extended by 30 days to allow stakeholders more time to review the proposed rule. OSHA issued […]
