In its latest update on standards-setting plans issued in early December, OSHA intends to take long-term action on:

  • Confined spaces in construction;
  • Exposures to ethylene oxide and beryllium;
  • Hearing conservation for construction workers;
  • Presence sensing device initiation of mechanical power presses;
  • Employer payment for PPE;
  • Exposure to tuberculosis.

Proposed rules are expected on:

  • Assigned Protection Factors: Amendments to the Final Rule on Respiratory Protection;
  • Preventing exposures to hexavalent chromium and crystalline silica;
  • Walking working surfaces and personal fall protection systems.

OSHA has dropped plans to set a broad standard mandating requirements for injury and illness prevention programs.