Due to what it calls "significant adverse comments," OSHA is withdrawing the direct final rule for signs, signals and barricades that was published on April 15, 2002. In the document, OSHA stated that if it received significant adverse comments, the agency would "publish a notice of significant adverse comment in the Federal Register withdrawing this direct final rule¿ Two of the eight comments received will, in this instance, be treated as significant adverse comments.

OSHA published a companion proposed rule identical to the direct final rule on the same day. [67 FR 18145]. The agency will address comments on the direct final and proposed rules in a new final rule. OSHA will not institute a second comment period.