This is OSHA boss Dr. David Michaels’ pet project, his number one standards priority.
OSHA is developing a rule requiring employers to implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. It involves planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and activities that protect employee safety and health. Employers will be responsible for “finding and fixing” hazards, with important input from workers. OSHA has substantial data on reductions in injuries and illnesses from employers who have implemented similar effective processes.
The agency currently has voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (54 FR 3904-3916), published in 1989.
An injury and illness prevention rule would build on these guidelines as well as lessons learned from successful approaches and best practices under OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program, Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program and similar industry and international initiatives such as American National Standards Institute/American Industrial Hygiene Association Z10 and Occupation Health and Safety Association 18001. Twelve States have similar rules.
Tracking: The agency has held a series of stakeholder meetings. Look for a proposal in 2011.
From Spring 2010 Department of Labor Regulatory Agenda
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recently released remarks in response to OSHA request for comments on the proposed rule to adapt the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
The recommendations provided by AIHA specifically focus on hazard classification, chemical labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), labeling language modifications and definitions, and the scheduling of employee training once these changes are implemented. In its comments on the proposal AIHA emphasizes its support of the following: