Court Decision Could Lead to Revisit of OSHA Ergonomics Rule
- A recent federal court decision could breathe new life into OSHA’s 2000 ergonomics standard, which was disapproved the following year by the Congressional Review Act, according to Ogletree Deakins.
- The U.S. Sixth Circuit’s August decision in Ohio Telecom Association v. FCC “suggests a viable path to craft new, materially different ergonomics regulations without violating the CRA.
- “OSHA could issue new ergonomics regulations that differ significantly in scope, structure, and requirements from its congressionally disapproved 2000 ergonomics standard,” according to author John Surma.
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Utah Localities Warned on Unannounced State OSHA Inspections
- Utah’s local governmental agencies are being warned about the increase in unannounced workplace safety compliance inspections by the state OSHA, according to Utah Local Governments Trust.
- The implications of these inspections are significant for local governments and organizations, as they must be prepared at all times for potential evaluations of their safety practices.
- The unpredictability of inspections underscores the importance of maintaining consistent safety protocols and readiness among staff.
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OSHA Seeks Comment on Nixing Some NTRL Testing Standards
- OSHA is seeking input on a proposal to delete 16 test standards from its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Program’s List (NTRL) of Appropriate Test Standards.
- According to a notice published last month, the test standards were all withdrawn by the standards development organizations that issued them.
OSHA lists the standards in Table 1 of the notice. They include International Society of Automation 12.12.01, “Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2 and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.” - Comments on the proposal are due Oct. 14.
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Mine Safety Agency Alerts on Reducing Dust Exposure
- The Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a health alert warning that dusty work clothes are a significant source of secondary exposures to dirt and dust, which can also be tracked into work areas from miners’ boots.
- The alert offers a set of best practices to keep work areas clear of dust and silica.
- One of the suggestions is to use leather and vinyl chairs in equipment, break rooms and offices, as cloth seats can collect and release dust every time they are used.
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