OSHA Moves Ahead on Hex Chromium; Crystalline Silica Standards
Health standards to regulate occupational exposure to hexavalent
chromium and crystalline silica are currently moving through the
rulemaking pipeline at OSHA. OSHA has been ordered by the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to expedite the hexavalent
chromium rule by initiating the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act (SBREFA) process. Approximately one million workers
are exposed to hexavalent chromium in general industry, maritime,
construction, and agriculture.
The SBREFA process for crystalline silica has also begun while
the agency considers a new standard for silica exposure. Despite
this action, the AFL-CIO’s director of occupational safety
and health remains critical, stating that “The agency has
not issued any significant rulemaking to protect workers safety
and health and no proposed rules can expect to be promulgated during
this administration.”
Source: BNA Occupational Safety and Health; http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/index.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/constructionsilica/index.html |