OSHA Proposes Rule to Improve Provisions in Its Standards

As part of an ongoing effort to revise provisions in its standards that may be confusing, outdated or unnecessary, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing 18 changes to the agency's recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards.

"The changes we propose will modernize OSHA standards, help employers better understand their responsibilities, increase compliance and reduce compliance costs," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Most importantly, these revisions will improve the safety and health protections afforded to workers across all industries."

The proposed revisions would save employers an estimated $3.2 million per year. They are based on responses to a public Request for Information issued in 2012 as well as recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, OSHA staff, and the Office of Management and Budget.

Individuals may submit comments electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Comments also may be submitted by facsimile or mail. See the Federal Register notice for details. Comments must be submitted by Dec. 5, 2016.

This is the fourth rule proposed under OSHA's Standards Improvement Project, which began in 1995 in response to a Presidential memorandum to improve government regulations. Other improvements to standards were issued in 1998, 2005, and 2011.