As its new workplace exam rule took effect this month, MSHA has been posting sample workplace exam forms that mine operators may wish to use. While MSHA does not explicitly say that the forms are “official” or “approved,” the implication is that MSHA would accept these forms as complying with the new rule.
OSHA silica rule takes effect this week with 30-day grace period
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Enforcement updates, OSHA
OSHA’s new final silica rule that dramatically reduces allowable exposures to respirable crystalline silica takes effect this week for most employers. In particular, the rule kicks in on June 23, 2018 for employers in general industry, maritime companies, and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in the oil and gas industry (for fracking, engineering controls still do not take effect until June 2021).
With no chief in place, OSHA rulemaking plans grow
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in OSHA, Rulemaking news
by Leah Kaiser
Nearly 18 months into the new administration, OSHA still has no confirmed leader. The nominee, Scott Mugno, awaits Senate confirmation. Nonetheless, OSHA’s regulatory agenda marches on with several rules moving from “long-term” to “short-term” priorities.
OSHA and industry mark National Forklift Safety Day
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
Today, OSHA and industry observe National Forklift Safety Day to raise awareness about the the importance of powered industrial truck safety. In anticipation, OSHA is promoting its extensive online forklift safety resources.
New Metal/Nonmetal Workplace Exam Rule Goes into Effect Tomorrow
By Donna Pryor & Erik Dullea on
Posted in MSHA
Yesterday we attended one of the last MSHA Stakeholders Meetings regarding the new Metal/Nonmetal workplace exam rule. In case you were unable to attend any of the meetings, the PowerPoint presented at the sessions can be found here. The Inspector training and Frequently Asked Questions document prepared by the agency are also available on…
OSHA seeking to limit injury records employers must submit electronically
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in OSHA, Rulemaking news
OSHA has begun rulemaking efforts that could limit how much injury and illness information employers must submit electronically under a 2016 rule. Under the proposed changes, employers would only have to submit to OSHA the annual summary of injuries and illnesses, rather than also submitting logs and reports detailing each incident.
Thought you were off the hook? Now, employers in state plan states must submit OSHA injury data, too.
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
When a number of states with their own OSHA plans had not implemented new regulations similar to OSHA’s 2016 injury and illness electronic reporting rule, many employers in those states believed they would simply be off the hook until the states caught up. Based on a recent notice, OSHA disagrees.
Top 10 OSHA construction penalties under Trump administration: $271k to more than $1.5m
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Enforcement updates, OSHA
Kim Slowey of Construction Dive reviews the top 10 OSHA penalties in construction under the Trump administration. She notes that while the new OSHA’s news releases may be toned down from the prior administration’s, “that doesn’t mean OSHA stopped citing and fining companies.”
MSHA announces more workplace exam stakeholder meetings
By Donna Pryor on
MSHA has announced an additional in-person meeting and two video teleconferences to provide outreach and compliance assistance on the new workplace examination rule for metal and nonmetal mines. One of the video conferences occurs after the new examination rule takes effect on June 2nd.
MSHA Apr. 30th stakeholder call to focus on powered haulage – a “priority issue”
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, MSHA
As MSHA’s leadership has traveled the country in recent months, one area of concern they raised repeatedly was powered haulage accidents. Now, the agency is focusing more attention on this “priority issue” with its upcoming quarterly stakeholder call.