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