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Regulatory agenda

The 2019 Regulatory Agenda had no surprises in its short-term regulatory docket but in the long-term schedule there was a surprise announcement about rulemaking activity for "Drug Testing Program and Safety Incentives Rule." The proposed rule would solidify in a new standard the current position that the electronic record-keeping rule does not prohibit employers from establishing workplace safety incentive programs or post-incident drug testing. Other items on the long-term list, which means action is not expected in the next 12 months, include: musculoskeletal disorders injury and illness recording and reporting requirements, infectious diseases, process safety management and prevention of major chemical accidents, and shipyard fall protection and personal protective equipment in construction.

Additional regulatory actions under consideration:

RULEANTICIPATED AGENCY ACTION
Beryllium rule for general industryFinal rule December 2019
Communication Tower SafetyComplete SBREFA May 2019
Emergency ResponseInitiate SBREFA May 2019
Lockout/TagoutRequest for Information May 2019
Tree CareInitiate SBREFA June 2019
Update to the Hazard Communication StandardNotice of Proposed Rulemaking September 2020
Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social AssistanceInitiate SBREFA October 2019

For the full federal Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan



Mugno withdraws from consideration

Re-nominated for Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA on January 16, Scott Mugno has withdrawn his name from consideration, extending the longest period without a permanent administrator.



Final rule expected to save $6.1 million as part of the Standards Improvement Project

The rule revises 14 provisions in the recordkeeping, general industry, maritime, and construction standards that may be confusing, outdated, or unnecessary. Reducing annual lung X-ray requirements, eliminating the collection of employee Social Security numbers and removing feral cats from the list of "rodents" in shipyard sanitation standards are among the 14 revisions.

Noteworthy the controversial proposal to revise the scope provision of the LOTO standard to remove the term "unexpected energization" as a prerequisite for the requirements of the LOTO standard was not included in the final rule.

More information.



Comments for possible update of lockout/tagout solicited

Comments on a possible update to the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) standard must be submitted before August 18. Emphasis is being placed on how employers have been using control circuit devices and new risks of increased worker contact with robots.

Noteworthy, the RFI does not mention the controversial "unexpected energization" but that does not mean it's dead. The regulated community voiced opposition in the SIP IV process.

More information.



Webpage provides information on protecting workers from CMV exposure

A common virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), affects thousands of workers in childcare centers and healthcare facilities. These workers are at the greatest risk of exposure because the virus is often spread through saliva and other body fluids of young children. A new webpage on CMV, explains how to minimize health risks associated with workers' exposure to this virus.



New oil and gas exploration safety video

A video developed by a Training Institute Education Center features ways to prevent injuries and fatalities in the oil and gas industry. The video focuses on falls, transportation, struck-by/caught-in/caught between, hydrogen sulfide gas, and heat illness.



Enforcement notes

California

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Missouri

New York

Nebraska

Pennsylvania

For additional information.