OSHA schedules public hearing on proposed rule on occupational exposure to beryllium

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has scheduled a public hearing on the agency's proposed rule to amend its existing exposure limits for occupational exposure in general industry to beryllium and beryllium compounds. The hearing will be held Feb. 29, 2016, in Washington, D.C.

The proposed rule, published on Aug. 7, 2015, would dramatically lower workplace exposure to beryllium, a widely used material that can cause devastating lung disease. This hearing will provide the public an opportunity to testify or provide evidence on issues raised by the proposal.

The hearing will begin at 2 p.m. ET in Room N-4437 A-D, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC. If necessary, the hearing will continue from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on subsequent days in Washington, D.C.

Individuals who intend to present testimony or question witnesses must submit the full text of their testimony and all documentary evidence by Jan. 29, 2016. Submissions may be sent electronically to www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Additionally, submissions may be mailed or delivered; see the Federal Register notice for details.

Currently, OSHA's eight-hour permissible exposure limit for beryllium is 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Above that level, employers must take steps to reduce the airborne concentration of beryllium. That standard was originally established in 1948 by the Atomic Energy Commission and adopted by OSHA in 1971. OSHA's proposed standard would reduce the eight-hour permissible exposure limit to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. The proposed rule would also require additional protections, including personal protective equipment, medical exams, and training.

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 ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Related articles

• Electronics recycler over-exposes workers to lead, fined more than $56K (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
• Judge upholds citations issued for bloodborne pathogen and lead exposure hazards at West Caldwell, New Jersey, company (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
• OSHA continues extensive public engagement on silica proposal Public hearings held March 18 - April 4 (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
• OSHA's Top 10 Violations for 2014 announced at National Safety Council Congress & Expo (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)

Insurance Company Plans to Track Movements of Workers In The Name Of Safety

A major workers’ compensation insurance carrier is planning to “tag” workers with individual movement trackers in the name of safety. Privacy issues were not addressed in the announcement.

American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) today announced a strategic investment in Human Condition Safety (HCS), an early-stage technology startup company developing wearable devices, analytics, and systems to improve worker safety.

"Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act" a Corporate Giveaway

The following is a statement from American Association for Justice (AAJ) CEO Linda Lipsen in response to the U.S. House of Representatives passing H.R. 1927, the Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act justice.org.:

“If I said Congress was considering a bill to shield Volkswagen from being held accountable for the fraud on its customers, and then combined it with a bill to protect companies that knowingly poisoned people with asbestos, no one would believe me. But that’s exactly what the House just passed. This is a bill that only helps corporations that killed and cheated people, plain and simple.

United States Files Complaint Against Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations

The Department of Justice, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today filed a civil complaint in federal court in Detroit, Michigan, against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations LLC, Porsche AG and Porsche Cars North America Inc. (collectively referred to as Volkswagen).

Preparing for Working In Cold

Today's post is shared from  John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH cdc.gov/niosh

Don’t assume there is no need to prepare for working safely in the cold this year, because of the moderate temperatures in much of the country so far. According to the National Weather Service, the long-range weather forecast predicts chillier temperatures than average in January and February in the Southern Plains and the Southeast. Cold weather can bring on health emergencies for people who may be susceptible as a result of their working environment, such as those who work outdoors or in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat.

NJ company cited by OSHA for willfully exposing workers to diacetyl

A Somerset County New Jersey flavoring and fragrance manufacturer exposed workers to respiratory and other workplace safety and health hazards. These exposures have created a new wave of occupation litigation by injured workers and their families.

Employer Permitted to Use Facebook Photos to Challenge Injured Workers Claims Without Prior Notice

An employer was permitted to utilize photographs taken from Claimant's public Facebook as impeachment evidence without prior notice to Claimant. Public Facebook photographs of Claimant holding her grandson with her injured arm and hand as impeachment evidence against Claimant.