OSHA extends comment period for proposal to streamline standards

Washington – OSHA is extending by 30 days the comment period for its proposed rule aimed at revising provisions in the agency’s recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards.

The comment period initially was set to end Dec. 5, but OSHA pushed the deadline to Jan. 4 to give stakeholders additional time to analyze the rule and collect information to help shape their feedback. In a press release, the agency stated that the proposed rule would streamline standards “that may be confusing, outdated or unnecessary.”

To submit a comment, go to www.regulations.gov and enter “OSHA-2012-0007-0031” in the search bar. As of press time, the agency had received 570 comments regarding the proposed rule.

Standards Improvement Project – Phase IV was issued in response to Executive Order 13563. The 2011 order calls for regulations that are “accessible, consistent, written in plain language, and easy to understand.”

OSHA administrator David Michaels said the proposed revisions could help save lives and prevent injuries.

“The changes we propose will modernize OSHA standards, help employers better understand their responsibilities, increase compliance and reduce compliance costs,” Michaels said in an Oct. 4 press release announcing the proposed rule. “Most importantly, these revisions will improve the safety and health protections afforded to workers across all industries.”