Source: http://www.thepumphandle.org/2011/08/22/what-new-regulations-did-osha/
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OSHA What new rule did OSHA issue this month? Worker safety rulemaking 101, Part 1
August 22, 2011 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH 5Comment
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act), specifically Section 6, authorizes OSHA to issue standards for work-related safety and health hazards. Generally, safety hazards are those that can cause immediate death or injury, such as explosions and amputations, while health hazards may cause adverse affects over a period of time, such as exposure to excessive noise, repetitive motion, metals and other toxins.
“An employer shall ensure that each affected employee wears a protective helmet [hardhat] when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects.” (29 CFR 1910.135)
“if the costs it imposes do not threaten massive dislocation to, or imperil the existene of, the industry.” (Am Iron & Steel Inst. v. OSHA (1991))
Reviews, revisions and approval (or not) by Labor Department. All of the analyses and documents listed above will go through a series of reviews and revisions by Labor Department staff, including attorneys with the Solicitor of Labor’s office. The objective is to have all of these materials finalized and ready for the public to review during a formal comment period. If the OSHA assistant secretary or other senior officials in the Labor Department, including the Secretary of Labor, have concerns about the draft proposal, they could postpone further action or halt it altogether. Despite the time and resources invested in the effort to-date, OSHA is not compelled to act (unless, of course, there is a court or congressional order to do so.) It is not unusual, for example, when a Presidential Admininstration changes, that OSHA’s regulatory priorities change as well.
Part 2 of this post will define a “signficant regulatory action,” describe what can happen when OSHA’s draft proposal rule package is at OIRA, and explain how a proposed rule becomes a final one.
5 thoughts on “What new rule did OSHA issue this month? Worker safety rulemaking 101, Part 1”
This is a very thorough overview of OSHA. From the history to the impact, particularly estimating the benefits. I look forward to seeing “part 2”.
Thanks. Part 2 will be posted later this week.
David Paoletta, CSP says:
Good research, OSHA effectiveness has become a political football for the “business is over-regulated” crowd. Most safety professionals would like to see more up to date rule making and vigerous enforcement (especially in right-to-work states).
A Job To Die For: Why So Many Americans are Killed, Injured or Made Ill at Work and What to Do About It by Lisa Cullen (Aug 1, 2002)
Thanks for reminding readers about Lisa Cullen’s book. You give me an idea for a future blog post: how many of the issues raised in her book about weak policies and enforcement have been addressed (fixed) by OSHA.
Excellent overview of the regulatory process. Can’t wait for Part 2!