What changes are coming from OSHA in 2013, you ask?
Well, we just looked at our magic crystal ball OSHA’s Fall 2012 Unified Agenda and have some answers for you.
Some of the most significant changes are listed below. To see everything OSHA’s up to, check the Unified Agenda. Please note that neither the list below nor the Unified Agenda include the major changes to align the Hazard Communication Standard with GHS (HazCom 2012).
NEW STANDARDS
NEW RULES
UPDATED/REVISED STANDARDS
- Updated Walking/Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (Slips, Trips, and Fall Prevention) Standard
- Updated Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Standard
- Revision of Underground Construction and Demolition Standards (to make the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Rule apply to those activities)
- Revision of Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard (to expand the scope of a partial exemption for work by digger derricks)
PROPOSED REVISIONS
- New Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica PEL (would affect 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1915, 29 CFR 1917, 29 CFR 1918, and 29 CFR 1926)
- New Occupational Exposure to Beryllium requirements
- Revisions to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
- Updates to rules regarding signage in 29 CFR 1910.6, Incorporation by Reference (would also affect 1910.97, Nonionizing Radiation; 1910.145, Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs and Tags; and 1910.261, Pulp, Paper, and Paper-board Mills)
PLANS TO REVIEW EXISTING STANDARDS
- Review/lookback of OSHA Chemical Standards
- Review of Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Potential revocation of periodic record-keeping requirements in Machinery and Machine Guarding Standard (1910.212)
- Review of regulations involving Vertical Tandem Lifts (would affect 29 CFR 1917.71, 29 CFR 1918.11, and 29 CFR 1918.85)
CHANGES TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS
Jeff,<br />Great job with the updates here!<br />I will cross post on my EHS networks with links to it.<br />VERY resourceful.<br />-Haase<br />
Hey EHS Director, glad that helped out. Thanks for the compliment.<br /><br />I love the name of your "Peakonomics" blog. I'm at work so I can't take the time to read it, but I'll be sure to check it out from home. Very clever tite–kudos to you!
Oh, and EHS Director, you'll very shortly start seeing updates/additional information about the various line items in this list.
Thanks but actually, the "Environmental, Health and Safety News" is the only one up to date with EHS info. I also put a lot of peak info there.
Hey EHS Director/Chris: <br /><br />Just read your post that references the emerald ash borer in Michigan.<br /><br />Good stuff!<br /><br />By coincidence, I have a college buddy who works for the EPA in Michigan and has studied that exact situation for several years. I get sporadic updates over beers every year or so.<br /><br />http://ehsmanager.blogspot.com/2013/01/
I am sure he is as concerned as much as me or more. In my years in environmental protection, both evasive species and ash bore went from being a regional problem to devastating levels.<br /><br />Next time you see him, tell him "thanks" from me. <br /><br />Their work is VERY under appreciated.
Good post. I shared this with my workmates. <br /><br />
Chris–I'll pass along the thanks (to her, actually). <br /><br />Zach, glad you liked it. Hope you're well.<br /><br />Both–take care; have great days. 🙂