OSHA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rules

Crystalline silica, injury tracking rules affected

OSHA is extending the public comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica for an additional 15 days to Feb. 11, 2014.

In response to concerns raised about possible public confusion due to an error on www.regulations.gov, the federal government’s online portal for submitting rulemaking comments, the deadline has been extended from Jan. 27 to Feb. 11 to allow stakeholders additional time to comment on the proposed rule.

To submit comments using www.regulations.gov, stakeholders may click on the “COMMENT NOW!” box next to the title “Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica; Extension of Comment Period” and follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions.

Public hearings on the proposed rule are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2014. Information on the proposed rule is available here.

Injury Tracking Rule

OSHA also announced that it will extend the comment period to March 8, 2014, on the proposed rule to improve workplace safety and health through improved tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses. The proposed rule would amend recordkeeping regulations to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information that employers are already required to keep under OSHA’s regulations for recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses.

The comment period has been extended 30 days in response to a request from the National Association of Home Builders. Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, or facsimile.