News
Thomas Perez has been confirmed as the next secretary of labor.
Silica and I2P2 proposed rules are expected within months, according to the newly released regulatory agenda.
More OSHA inspections and standards are needed in the health care industry, stakeholders say.
Notable proposed fines
$131,320 to an Ohio toll processor for failure-to-abate citations related to an alleged lack of a hearing conservation program
$96,250 to a Pennsylvania foundry for failure to have proper guard and engineering controls, among other alleged hazards
$89,000 to a Texas manufacturing plant for allegedly exposing workers to methylenedianiline without proper protection
$82,800 to a New York home goods company for alleged blocked emergency exit routes and unmounted fire extinguishers
$74,800 to a Texas-based chemical distributor for violations that include a lack of a written safety plan and improperly stored hazardous materials
$71,500 to a New York drugstore for allegedly having a blocked emergency exit and obstructed sprinkler system heads
$61,600 to a Washington, D.C. dental office for bloodborne pathogen violations
$41,800 to Ford Motor Co. for alleged asbestos hazards at a plant in Buffalo, NY
$14,000 to oil industry supplier Halliburton following a worker death at an oil rig in North Dakota
Happening this week
July 25 – Chemical Safety Board to vote on whether OSHA has been “unacceptable” in implementing CSB’s recommendations
Review Counter
Below is a count of how many days recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of July 22:
| # of Days | OSHA Proposal |
| 889 | Silica (proposed rule) |
| 608 | Modernizing OSHA’s reporting system for injuries and illnesses (proposed rule) |
| 390 | Electric power transmission and distribution; electrical protective equipment (final rule) |
The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs – part of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget – reviews proposed regulations. The process is required for most rules before they can move forward, and typically takes 90 days.
The opinions expressed in "Washington Wire" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.