March 8, 2010
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA extends deadline for submitting comments on Recordkeeping proposed rule

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to revise the Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting (Recordkeeping) regulation to March 30, 2010.

OSHA published a proposed rule to revise its Recordkeeping regulation on January 29, 2010. The proposal would restore a column to the OSHA 300 Log that employers would use to record work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The proposed rule will not change existing requirements for when and under what circumstances employers must record MSDs on their injury and illness logs.

Four stakeholders requested an extension of the comment period, in part because of the severe February snowstorms that shut down workplaces for more than a week. The 15-day deadline extension ensures that stakeholders have a full 60 days to submit comments on the limited rulemaking.

Comments may be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. If submitting comments by regular or express mail, hand delivery or messenger, send three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2009-0044, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20210. Comments not exceeding 10 pages may be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648.

For general and technical information, contact Jim Maddux, OSHA Directorate of Standards and Guidance, at 202-693-1950. Press inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Ashley, OSHA Office of Communications, at 202-693-1999.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA¿s role is to assure these conditions for America¿s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.