The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing 18 changes to the agency’s recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards.
The proposed revisions could save employers an estimated $3.2 million per year, the agency says. The changes would include:
• Recognition of electronic posting of 911 emergency services contact information
• Promotion of uniformity in rules for traffic signs, flaggers, and barricades at construction sites
• Removal of the requirement for collection of Social Security numbers
• Clarification of employers’ duties in the excavation standard
• Exemption single family dwellings from the load limit notification requirement
In other areas, the proposals attempt to establish more consistency between OSHA rules and general industry practices or government rules in related areas. “The changes we propose will modernize OSHA standards, help employers better understand their responsibilities, increase compliance and reduce compliance costs,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.
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