OSHA last week issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update its general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction eye and face protection standards by incorporating by reference the three most recent versions of the American National Standards Institute Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection standard. In addition, OSHA proposes to change language in the construction eye and face protection standard to make it consistent with both the general industry and maritime standards.

American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President Patricia Ennis, CSP called the proposed change “sound public policy.”

“The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has spoken out many times on the importance of using current American National Standards (ANSI) in legislation and regulation, since they are based on good science, sound technology, and the consensus process.

“National consensus standards, such as ANSI, reflect the overall consensus of the professionals who work at all levels of the public and private sectors in technology development, safety and health, manufacturing, training, financial analysis, personnel, academia and also reflect insight from the final end user. This balanced perspective enables the crafting of standards in a way that benefits and protects users of the standard. The impact is safer and more healthful workplaces.”