As we approach the end of the year, preparations should be taken for the new year. Each new year we hope to reach new heights in worker safety. We can expect to see updates on the following rules in early 2016. Keep these rules in mind on your next OSHA inspection!
- Improve Electronic Tracking of Workplace Injury and Illness – expected in March 2016
Changes are expected for OSHA’s occupational injury and illness reporting system. The following is the Statement of Need released by the Department of Labor (DOL).
“The collection of establishment specific injury and illness data in electronic format on a timely basis is needed to help OSHA, employers, employees, researchers, and the public more effectively prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as support President Obama’s Open Government initiative to increase the ability of the public to easily find, download, and use the resulting dataset generated and held by the Federal Government.”
Business leaders should consider investing in safety software to aid electronic tracking of workplace safety.
- Eye and Face Protection – expected in March 2016
The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Final Rule that was published in September 2009 improved upon general industry PPE standards. However, the final rule did not update PPE standards for the construction industry. Additionally, while the final rule was undergoing final reviews, ANSI published a 2010 edition of the Eye and Face Protection consensus standard. OSHA plans to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to cover PPE standards for the construction industry and make adjustments to include Eye and Face Protection standards.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls – expected in April 2016
Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of occupational injuries and illnesses. In 1990, OSHA had published a proposed rule addressing the issue. Since 1990, new technologies have become available to protect employees from slips, trips, and falls. In response to comments raised to the 1990 rule, OSHA published a notice to reopen discussions on rulemaking in May of 2003. The rulings are expected to be finalized in April of 2016.
- Silica Exposure – expected in February 2016
Silica is a very small crystalline particle that puts workers at risk for silicosis, luncg, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and kidney disease. Exposure to silica can be deadly. According to OSHA, the rule will save nearly 700 lives and prevent 1600 new cases of silicosis per year, once the full effects of the rule are realized. OSHA is poised to make a decision on their final rule on Silica in February 2016.
- Revision of OSHA Procedures to obtain employee medical information – expected in January 2016
OSHA must follow specific internal procedures when obtaining and using personally-identifiable employee medical information. OSHA plans to make adjustments to this regulation to improve efficiency in implementing these internal procedures.
