[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 240 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 77991-77996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30627]
Vol. 80
Tuesday,
No. 240
December 15, 2015
Part XIII
Department of Labor
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 240 / Tuesday, December 15, 2015 /
Unified Agenda
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of the Secretary
20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX
29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV
30 CFR Ch. I
41 CFR Ch. 60
48 CFR Ch. 29
Semiannual Agenda of Regulations
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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SUMMARY: The Internet has become the means for disseminating the
entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda.
However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a
regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal
Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director, Office of
Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2312,
Washington, DC 20210; (202) 693-5959.
Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be
obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular
regulation.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires the
semiannual publication of an agenda of regulations that contains a
listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have
under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during
the coming one-year period. The entirety of the Department's semiannual
agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires DOL to
publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda. The
Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda published with this notice,
includes only those rules on its semiannual agenda that are likely to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities; and those rules identified for periodic review in keeping
with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Thus, the regulatory flexibility agenda is a subset of the Department's
semiannual regulatory agenda. There is only one item on the Department
of Labor's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Bloodborne Pathogens (RIN 1218-AC34)
In addition, the Department's Regulatory Plan, also a subset of the
Department's regulatory agenda, is being published in the Federal
Register. The Regulatory Plan contains a statement of the Department's
regulatory priorities and the regulatory actions the Department wants
to highlight as its most important and significant.
All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to
let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be
improved, and are invited to participate in and comment on the review
or development of the regulations listed on the Department's agenda.
Thomas E. Perez,
Secretary of Labor.
Wage and Hour Division--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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323.......................... Establishing Paid Sick 1235-AA13
Leave for Contractors,
Executive Order 13706
(Reg Plan Seq No. 77).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Wage and Hour Division--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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324.......................... Defining and Delimiting 1235-AA11
the Exemptions for
Executive,
Administrative,
Professional, Outside
Sales, and Computer
Employees (Reg Plan
Seq No. 78).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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325.......................... Workforce Innovation 1205-AB73
and Opportunity Act
(Reg Plan Seq No. 79).
326.......................... Workforce Innovation 1205-AB74
and Opportunity Act;
Joint Rule with U.S.
Department of
Education for Combined
and Unified State
Plans, Performance
Accountability, and
the One-Stop System
Joint Provisions.
327.......................... Modernizing the 1205-AB75
Permanent Labor
Certification Program
(PERM).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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328.......................... Temporary Agricultural 1205-AB70
Employment of H-2A
Foreign Workers in the
Herding or Production
of Livestock on the
Range in the United
States.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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329.......................... Bloodborne Pathogens 1218-AC34
(Section 610 Review).
330.......................... Combustible Dust....... 1218-AC41
331.......................... Preventing Backover 1218-AC51
Injuries and
Fatalities.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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332.......................... Occupational Exposure 1218-AB76
to Beryllium.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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333.......................... Occupational Exposure 1218-AB70
to Crystalline Silica
(Reg Plan Seq No. 84).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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334.......................... Infectious Diseases.... 1218-AC46
335.......................... Injury and Illness 1218-AC48
Prevention Program.
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Proposed Rule Stage
323. Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Contractors, Executive
Order 13706
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 77 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1235-AA13
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Final Rule Stage
324. Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive,
Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 78 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1235-AA11
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Proposed Rule Stage
325. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 79 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1205-AB73
326. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Joint Rule With U.S.
Department of Education for Combined and Unified State Plans,
Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop System Joint Provisions
Legal Authority: Section 503(f) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113-128)
Abstract: On July 22, 2014, the President signed the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Pub. L. 113-128) which repeals
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) As
directed by WIOA, the Departments of Education and Labor issued a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on April 16, 2015 to implement the
changes in regulations that WIOA makes to the public workforce system
regarding Combined and Unified State Plans, performance accountability
for WIOA title I, title II, title III, and title IV programs, and the
one-stop delivery system.
All of the other regulations implementing WIOA were published by
the Departments of Labor and Education in separate NPRMs. The
Departments are analyzing the comments received and developing a final
rule.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 04/16/15 80 FR 20574
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/15
Analyze Comments.................... 11/00/15
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary for Employment and
Training, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration,
200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone:
202 639-2700.
RIN: 1205-AB74
327. Modernizing the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM)
Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(5)(A)
Abstract: The PERM regulations govern the labor certification
process for employers seeking to employ foreign
workers permanently in the United States. The Department of Labor
(Department) has not comprehensively examined and modified the
permanent labor certification requirements and process since 2004. Over
the last ten years, much has changed in our country's economy,
affecting employers' demand for workers and the availability of a
qualified domestic labor force. Advances in technology and information
dissemination have dramatically altered common industry recruitment
practices, and the Department has received ongoing feedback that the
existing regulatory requirements governing the PERM process frequently
do not align with worker or industry needs and practices. Therefore,
the Department is engaging in rulemaking that will consider options to
modernize the PERM program to be more responsive to changes in the
national workforce, to further align the program design with the
objectives of the U.S. immigration system and needs of workers and
employers, and to enhance the integrity of the labor certification
process.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 04/00/16
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William W. Thompson II, Acting Administrator,
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment
and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building,
Rm. C-4312, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-3010.
RIN: 1205-AB75
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Completed Actions
328. Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2A Foreign Workers in the
Herding or Production of Livestock on the Range in the United States
Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1188
Abstract: Office of Foreign Labor Certification of the Employment
and Training Administration (ETA) has established special procedures
for certain occupations, including long-established variances for
sheepherding, goat herding, and occupations involving the open range
production of livestock. The wage-setting methodology and other
employment standards for these occupations have been set in the past by
sub-regulatory guidance. ETA is engaging in this regulatory action to
establish standards for wages and working conditions in these
occupations based on input from the regulated community.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 04/15/15 80 FR 20300
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/15/15
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 05/05/15 80 FR 25633
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 06/01/15
Final Rule.......................... 10/15/15 80 FR 62957
Final Rule Effective................ 11/16/15
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Janet Banos, Department of Labor, Employment and
Training Administration, Division of Policy, Office of Foreign Labor
Certification, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room C-4312, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-3010, Email: banos.janet@dol.gov.
RIN: 1205-AB70
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Prerule Stage
329. Bloodborne Pathogens (Section 610 Review)
Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 5 U.S.C. 610; 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Bloodborne Pathogen
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) in accordance with the requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The
review will consider the continued need for the rule; whether the rule
overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State or local
regulations; and the degree to which technology, economic conditions,
or other factors may have changed since the rule was evaluated.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Begin Review........................ 10/22/09
Request for Comments Published...... 05/14/10 75 FR 27237
Comment Period End.................. 08/12/10
End Review and Issue Findings....... 12/00/15
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
Agency Contact: Amanda Edens, Director, Directorate of Technical
Support and Emergency Management, Department of Labor, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP
Building, Room N-3653, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2300, Fax:
202 693-1644, Email: edens.mandy@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC34
330. Combustible Dust
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
commenced rulemaking to develop a combustible dust standard for general
industry. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) completed a study of
combustible dust hazards in late 2006, which identified 281 combustible
dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that killed 119 workers and
injured another 718. Based on these findings, the CSB recommended the
Agency pursue a rulemaking on this issue. OSHA has previously addressed
aspects of this risk. For example, on July 31, 2005, OSHA published the
Safety and Health Information Bulletin, ``Combustible Dust in Industry:
Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions.''
Additionally, OSHA implemented a Combustible Dust National Emphasis
Program (NEP) on March 11, 2008, launched a new Web page, and issued
several other guidance documents. However, the Agency does not have a
comprehensive standard that addresses combustible dust hazards. OSHA
will use the information gathered from the NEP to assist in the
development of this rule. OSHA published an ANPRM October 21, 2009.
Additionally, stakeholder meetings were held in Washington, DC, on
December 14, 2009, in Atlanta, GA, on February 17, 2010, and in
Chicago, IL, on April 21, 2010. A webchat for combustible dust was also
held on June 28, 2010, and an expert forum was convened on May 13,
2011.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 10/21/09 74 FR 54333
Stakeholder Meetings................ 12/14/09
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 01/19/10
Stakeholder Meetings................ 02/17/10
Stakeholders Meetings............... 03/09/10 75 FR 10739
Initiate SBREFA..................... 08/00/16
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
perry.bill@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC41
331. Preventing Backover Injuries and Fatalities
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (77 FR
18973; March 29, 2012) that sought information on two subjects: (1)
Preventing backover injuries; and (2) the hazards and risks of
reinforcing concrete operations in construction, including post-
tensioning. Backing vehicles and equipment are common causes of struck-
by injuries and can also cause caught-between injuries when backing
vehicles and equipment pin a worker against an object. Struck-by
injuries and caught-between injuries are two of the four leading causes
of workplace fatalities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in
2011, 75 workers were fatally backed over while working. While many
backing incidents can prove to be fatal, workers can suffer severe,
non-fatal injuries as well. A review of OSHA's Integrated Management
Information System (IMIS) database found that backing incidents can
result in serious injury to the back and pelvis, fractured bones,
concussions, amputations, and other injuries. Emerging technologies in
the field of backing operations may prevent incidents. The technologies
include cameras and proximity detection systems. The use of spotters
and internal traffic control plans can also make backing operations
safer. The Agency has held stakeholder meetings on backovers, and is
conducting site visits to employers.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Request for Information (RFI)....... 03/29/12 77 FR 18973
RFI Comment Period End.............. 07/27/12
Initiate SBREFA..................... 09/00/16
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jim Maddux, Director, Directorate of Construction,
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
Room N-3468, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC
20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax: 202 693-1689, Email:
maddux.jim@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC51
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Proposed Rule Stage
332. Occupational Exposure to Beryllium
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an
emergency temporary standard for permissible exposure limit (PEL) to
beryllium by the United Steel Workers (formerly the Paper Allied-
Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union), Public Citizen Health
Research Group, and others. The Agency denied the petitions but stated
its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on
beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage. On November 26,
2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (67 FR 70707) to
solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure to beryllium,
including: Current exposures to beryllium; the relationship between
exposure to beryllium and the development of adverse health effects;
exposure assessment and monitoring methods; exposure control methods;
and medical surveillance. In addition, the Agency conducted field
surveys of selected worksites to assess current exposures and control
methods being used to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA
convened a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel under the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) and completed the
SBREFA Report in January 2008. OSHA also completed a scientific peer
review of its draft risk assessment.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Request for Information............. 11/26/02 67 FR 70707
Request for Information Comment 02/24/03
Period End.
SBREFA Report Completed............. 01/23/08
Initiated Peer Review of Health 03/22/10
Effects and Risk Assessment.
Complete Peer Review................ 11/19/10
NPRM................................ 08/07/15 80 FR 47565
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/05/15
Analyze Comments.................... 12/00/15
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
perry.bill@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AB76
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Final Rule Stage
333. Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 84 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1218-AB70
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Long-Term Actions
334. Infectious Diseases
Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 29 U.S.C. 657 and 658; 29 U.S.C.
660; 29 U.S.C. 666; 29 U.S.C. 669; 29 U.S.C. 673
Abstract: Employees in health care and other high-risk environments
face long-standing infectious disease hazards such as tuberculosis
(TB), varicella disease (chickenpox, shingles), and measles (rubeola),
as well as new and emerging infectious disease threats, such as Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and pandemic
influenza. Health care workers and workers in related occupations, or
who are exposed in other high-risk environments, are at increased risk
of contracting TB, SARS, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), and other infectious diseases that can be transmitted through a
variety of exposure routes. OSHA is concerned about the ability of
employees to continue to provide health care and other critical
services without unreasonably jeopardizing their health. OSHA is
considering the need for a standard to ensure that employers establish
a comprehensive infection control program and control measures to
protect employees from infectious disease exposures to pathogens that
can cause significant disease. Workplaces where such control measures
might be necessary include: Health care, emergency response,
correctional facilities, homeless shelters, drug treatment programs,
and other occupational settings where employees can be at increased
risk of exposure to potentially infectious people. A standard could
also apply to laboratories, which handle materials that may be a source
of pathogens, and to pathologists, coroners' offices, medical
examiners, and mortuaries.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Request for Information (RFI)....... 05/06/10 75 FR 24835
RFI Comment Period End.............. 08/04/10
Analyze Comments.................... 12/30/10
Stakeholder Meetings................ 07/05/11 76 FR 39041
Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/04/14
Complete SBREFA..................... 12/22/14
NPRM................................ 12/00/16
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
perry.bill@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC46
335. Injury and Illness Prevention Program
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653; 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: OSHA is developing a rule requiring employers to
implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. It involves
planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and
activities that protect employee safety and health. OSHA has
substantial data on reductions in injuries and illnesses from employers
who have implemented similar effective processes. The Agency currently
has voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (54 FR
3904 to 3916), published in 1989. An injury and illness prevention
program rule would build on these guidelines as well as lessons learned
from successful approaches and best practices under OSHA's Voluntary
Protection Program, Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program,
and similar industry and international initiatives such as American
National Standards Institute/American Industrial Hygiene Association
Z10, and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Notice of Stakeholder Meetings...... 05/04/10 75 FR 23637
Notice of Additional Stakeholder 06/22/10 75 FR 35360
Meetings.
Initiate SBREFA..................... 01/06/12
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NPRM................................ To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
perry.bill@dol.gov.
RIN: 1218-AC48
[FR Doc. 2015-30627 Filed 12-14-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-04-P
