OSHA Regulatory Plan for Silica, Beryllium Delayed

Rules expected to be published later in 2008

The peer review on the health effects and risk assessment for silica that was originally slated for completion last September is ongoing as is the small business report on beryllium and the negotiated rulemaking on cranes and derricks. OSHA has indicated that it hopes to address all matters concerning changes to these standards by the end of the first quarter of this year. The Cranes and Derricks rule has been in development the longest. Its committee submitted recommendations to OSHA in 2004 and the existing standard dates from 1971. In the interim, many states have developed their own crane operator certification programs and regulations.

For further information: http://www.osha.gov/