AIHA urges OMB to end delays, complete review of proposed silica rule
Warns about "political influence"
Extending a review of OSHA's proposed crystalline silica standard allows certain industry groups to attempt to "short circuit" the existing process -- and makes it vulnerable to political influence, according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA).
Reacting to a recent decision by the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to extend the Executive Order review of the standard, the AIHA called upon OIRA to finish its review without additional delay so OSHA may begin the public rulemaking process on a comprehensive standard and issue the rule as quickly as possible..
In a letter to OMB Director Jacob J. Lew and Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis, the AIHA warned that industry groups may be using the review process to "delay rulemaking and lobby OMB to pre-determine key issues involved with OSHA's proposed rule, such as exempting the construction industry" from the regulation.
The AIHA asked theThe AIHA asked the OMB to release the rule for publication in the Federal Register, so that the public stakeholder comment period can begin.