OSHA extends silica comment period to Feb. 11

Washington – For the second time, OSHA has extended the public comment period on proposed updates to its crystalline silica rule, the agency announced Jan. 24.

The public now has until Feb. 11 to provide written comment on the proposed changes, which include reducing the current permissible exposure limit by half.

The 15-day extension is in response to concerns regarding possible confusion caused by an error on the federal government’s online portal for submitting rulemaking comments. Incorrect dates were provided on the portal the first time the comment period was extended, an OSHA spokesperson said.

A public hearing on the rule is scheduled for March 18 in Washington.