Of course politics plays a role. It's important for the agency to be sensitive to small business concerns at a time when regulatory burdens are under scrutiny. OSHA also faces pressure from the Office of Management and Budget to reduce paperwork demands on employers. To meet another requirement of the law, OSHA will publish a Federal Register notice early next year asking for public comments on ways to reduce the hazcom burden. Plus, agency personnel like Jennifer Silk, who developed the standard in the early 1980s and defends it to this day, truly want to make it better.
Silk is technical advisor to the hazcom committee.
We're in good shape to produce a serious document. OSHA wants us to take a look at all the issues and tell the agency what to do. Current status Lick's committee has a lot to look at. The regulation aims to reduce injuries and illnesses from chemical exposures by using labels, data sheets, and training to enlighten employers and employees about the risks of hazardous substances. It's a huge undertaking.