OSHA Extends Silica-Rule Comment Deadline
WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reset the deadline for commenting on the proposed crystalline-silica-exposure rules.
On Friday, the federal agency added 47 days to the original Dec. 11 cutoff; the new deadline is Jan. 27.
OSHA also extended the deadline by 30 days to submit notices of intention to appear at its informal public hearings next March. Those planning to offer testimony in person need to alert the agency by Dec. 12.
The move came after an industry group, the Construction Industry Safety Coaltion, asked the federal government late last month to extend the comment deadline. The industry-association group, which includes the Marble Institute of America and the Natural Stone Council, had sought a 90-day extension.
OSHA announced the proposed rule changes, which halve the current legal exposure levels, in late August. The notice of proposed rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 12.
“We strongly encourage the public to assist in the process of developing a final rule by submitting written comments and participating in public hearings,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “We especially hope to hear from employers, workers and public health professionals who have experience in successfully protecting workers from silica-related diseases. We are extending the comment period to ensure we hear from all stakeholders who wish to participate.”
Public hearings are scheduled to begin next March 18; the hearings are expected to continue for several weeks. Members of the public who filed a timely written notice of intention to appear will be able to submit post-hearing comments to the docket.
Additional information on the proposed rule, including five fact sheets and procedures for submitting written comments and participating in public hearings, is available at http://www.osha.gov/silica/. Members of the public may comment on the proposal by visiting http://www.regulations.gov.
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