[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 245 (Monday, December 22, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76746-76751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28971]



[[Page 76745]]

Vol. 79

Monday,

No. 245

December 22, 2014

Part XII





Department of Labor





-----------------------------------------------------------------------





Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 76746]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX

29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV

30 CFR Ch. I

41 CFR Ch. 60

48 CFR Ch. 29


Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Internet has become the means for disseminating the 
entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda. 
However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a 
regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal 
Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Franks, Director, Office of 
Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2312, 
Washington, DC 20210; (202) 693-5959.

    Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be 
obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular 
regulation.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires the 
semiannual publication of an agenda of regulations that contains a 
listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have 
under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during 
the coming one-year period. The entirety of the Department's semiannual 
agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires DOL to 
publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda. The 
Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda published with this notice, 
includes only those rules on its semiannual agenda that are likely to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities; and those rules identified for periodic review in keeping 
with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 
Thus, the regulatory flexibility agenda is a subset of the Department's 
semiannual regulatory agenda. There is only one item on the Department 
of Labor's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    Bloodborne Pathogens (RIN 1218-AC34)
    In addition, the Department's Regulatory Plan, also a subset of the 
Department's regulatory agenda, is being published in the Federal 
Register. The Regulatory Plan contains a statement of the Department's 
regulatory priorities and the regulatory actions the Department wants 
to highlight as its most important and significant.
    All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to 
let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be 
improved, and are invited to participate in and comment on the review 
or development of the regulations listed on the Department's agenda.

 Thomas E. Perez,
Secretary of Labor.

               Wage and Hour Division--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
354.......................  Defining and Delimiting            1235-AA11
                             the Exemptions for
                             Executive,
                             Administrative,
                             Professional, Outside
                             Sales, and Computer
                             Employees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


       Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
355.......................  Wage Methodology for the           1205-AB72
                             Temporary Non-
                             Agricultural Employment H-
                             2B Program.
356.......................  Workforce Innovation and           1205-AB73
                             Opportunity Act (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 96).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


      Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
357.......................  Bloodborne Pathogens               1218-AC34
                             (Section 610 Review).
358.......................  Infectious Diseases (Reg           1218-AC46
                             Plan Seq No. 101).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


   Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
359.......................  Occupational Exposure to           1218-AB70
                             Crystalline Silica (Reg
                             Plan Seq No. 102).
360.......................  Occupational Exposure to           1218-AB76
                             Beryllium.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 76747]]


     Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
361.......................  Confined Spaces in                 1218-AB47
                             Construction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
362.......................  Combustible Dust..........         1218-AC41
363.......................  Injury and Illness                 1218-AC48
                             Prevention Program.
364.......................  Preventing Backover                1218-AC51
                             Injuries and Fatalities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

Proposed Rule Stage

354. Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, 
Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1) (Fair Labor Standards Act)
    Abstract: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) section 13(a)(1) 
provides a minimum wage and overtime exemption for any employee 
employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, professional 
capacity, or in the capacity of an outside salesperson. President 
Barack Obama issued a memorandum to the Secretary of Labor on March 13, 
2014, directing the Secretary to modernize and streamline the existing 
overtime regulations for executive, administrative, and professional 
employees. The Department of Labor last updated these regulations in 
2004.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mary Ziegler, Director, Division of Regulations, 
Legislation, and Interpretation, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW., FP Building, Room S-3502, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 
693-0406, Fax: 202 693-1387.
    RIN: 1235-AA11

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Employment and Training Administration (ETA)

Proposed Rule Stage

355. Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment H-
2B Program

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii(B); 8 U.S.C. 1148(c); 
29 U.S.C. 49k; 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)
    Abstract: The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes the 
H-2B visa classification for a non-agricultural temporary worker 
``having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of 
abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform . 
. . temporary [non-agricultural] service or labor if unemployed persons 
capable of performing such service or labor cannot be found in this 
country[.]'' 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b). The INA also requires an 
importing employer (H-2B employer) to petition the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) for classification of the prospective temporary 
worker as an H-2B nonimmigrant, and DHS must approve such petition 
before the beneficiary can be considered eligible for an H-2B visa or 
H-2B status. 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(1). The INA further requires DHS to 
consult with ``appropriate agencies of the Government'' before 
adjudicating an H-2B petition, and DHS has determined that it must 
consult with the Department of Labor (DOL) to determine whether U.S. 
workers capable of performing the temporary services or labor are 
available and that the foreign worker's employment will not adversely 
affect the wages or working conditions of similarly employed U.S. 
workers. 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)(A). DHS's regulation requires H-2B 
employers to obtain certification from DOL that these conditions are 
met prior to submitting a petition to DHS. Id. As part of DOL's 
certification, DHS requires DOL to determine the prevailing wage 
applicable to an application for temporary labor certification. 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(6)(iii)(D). DOL has established procedures to certify whether 
a qualified U.S. worker is available to fill the petitioning H-2B 
employer's job opportunity and whether foreign worker's employment in 
the job opportunity will adversely affect the wages or working 
conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. See 20 CFR part 655, 
subpart A. As part of DOL's labor certification process and, pursuant 
to the DHS regulations, 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)(D), DOL sets the wage 
that employers must offer and pay foreign workers entering the country 
on an H-2B visa. See 20 CFR 655.10. DOL revised the wage methodology 
used in the H-2B program in 2011, and jointly with the Department of 
Homeland Security again in 2013. The later action was an interim final 
rule (IFR) in response to a court order. However, DOL requested and 
received comments on all aspects of the 2013 revisions to the H-2B wage 
methodology in the IFR. DOL has determined that further notice and 
comment is appropriate on the proper methodology for determining the 
prevailing wage in the H-2B program, and will consider comments 
submitted in conjunction with the IFR together with comments submitted 
on this new proposal in order to issue a final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/00/14  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Lauren Bernstein, Acting Manager, Division of 
Policy, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Room C-4312, FP Building, Washington, DC

[[Page 76748]]

20210, Phone: 202 693-3010, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1205-AB72

356.  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 96 in part II of this issue 
of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 1205-AB73

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Prerule Stage

357. Bloodborne Pathogens (Section 610 Review)

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 5 U.S.C. 610; 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
    Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Bloodborne Pathogen 
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) in accordance with the requirements of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The 
review will consider the continued need for the rule; whether the rule 
overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State or local 
regulations; and the degree to which technology, economic conditions, 
or other factors may have changed since the rule was evaluated.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Begin Review........................   10/22/09  .......................
Request for Comments Published......   05/14/10  75 FR 27237
Comment Period End..................   08/12/10  .......................
End Review and Issue Findings.......   05/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: Francis Yebesi, Acting Director, Directorate of 
Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and 
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Bld, Rm N-3641, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2400, Fax: 202 693-1641, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC34

358. Infectious Diseases

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 101 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 1218-AC46

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Proposed Rule Stage

359. Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 102 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 1218-AB70

360. Occupational Exposure to Beryllium

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
    Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an 
emergency temporary standard for permissible exposure limit (PEL) to 
beryllium by the United Steel Workers (formerly the Paper Allied-
Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union), Public Citizen Health 
Research Group, and others. The Agency denied the petitions but stated 
its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on 
beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage. On November 26, 
2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (67 FR 70707) to 
solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure to beryllium, 
including: current exposures to beryllium; the relationship between 
exposure to beryllium and the development of adverse health effects; 
exposure assessment and monitoring methods; exposure control methods; 
and medical surveillance. In addition, the Agency conducted field 
surveys of selected worksites to assess current exposures and control 
methods being used to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA 
convened a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel under the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) and completed the 
SBREFA Report in January 2008. OSHA also completed a scientific peer 
review of its draft risk assessment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information.............   11/26/02  67 FR 70707
Request For Information Comment        02/24/03  .......................
 Period End.
SBREFA Report Completed.............   01/23/08  .......................
Initiated Peer Review of Health        03/22/10  .......................
 Effects and Risk Assessment.
Complete Peer Review................   11/19/10  .......................
NPRM................................   01/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards 
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, Washington, 
DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AB76

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Final Rule Stage

361. Confined Spaces in Construction

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 40 U.S.C. 333
    Abstract: In 1993, OSHA issued a rule to protect employees who 
enter confined spaces while engaged in general industry work (29 CFR 
1910.146). This standard has not been extended to cover employees 
entering confined spaces while engaged in construction work because of 
unique characteristics of construction work sites. Pursuant to 
discussions with the United Steel Workers of America that led to a 
settlement agreement regarding the general industry standard, OSHA 
agreed to issue a proposed rule to protect construction workers in 
confined spaces.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBREFA Panel Report.................   11/24/03  .......................
NPRM................................   11/28/07  72 FR 67351
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/28/08  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   02/28/08  73 FR 3893
Public Hearing......................   07/22/08  .......................
Close Record........................   10/23/08  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/00/15  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jim Maddux, Director, Directorate of Construction, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, FP 
Building, Room N-3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax:

[[Page 76749]]

202 693-1689, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AB47

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Long-Term Actions

362. Combustible Dust

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
    Abstract: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has 
commenced rulemaking to develop a combustible dust standard for general 
industry. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) completed a study of 
combustible dust hazards in late 2006, which identified 281 combustible 
dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that killed 119 workers and 
injured another 718. Based on these findings, the CSB recommended the 
Agency pursue a rulemaking on this issue. OSHA has previously addressed 
aspects of this risk. For example, on July 31, 2005, OSHA published the 
Safety and Health Information Bulletin, ``Combustible Dust in Industry: 
Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions.'' 
Additionally, OSHA implemented a Combustible Dust National Emphasis 
Program (NEP) on March 11, 2008, launched a new Web page, and issued 
several other guidance documents. However, the Agency does not have a 
comprehensive standard that addresses combustible dust hazards.
    OSHA will use the information gathered from the NEP to assist in 
the development of this rule. OSHA published an ANPRM October 21, 2009. 
Additionally, stakeholder meetings were held in Washington, DC, on 
December 14, 2009, in Atlanta, GA, on February 17, 2010, and in 
Chicago, IL, on April 21, 2010. A webchat for combustible dust was also 
held on June 28, 2010, and an expert forum was convened on May 13, 
2011.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   10/21/09  74 FR 54333
Stakeholder Meetings................   12/14/09  .......................
ANPRM Comment Period End............   01/19/10  .......................
Stakeholder Meetings................   02/17/10  .......................
Stakeholders Meetings...............   03/09/10  75 FR 10739
Initiate SBREFA.....................   02/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards 
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, Washington, 
DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC41

363. Injury and Illness Prevention Program

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653; 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
    Abstract: 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. 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 to 3916), published in 1989. An injury and illness prevention 
program 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 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date             FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stakeholder Meetings...............     06/03/10  75 FR 35360 and 75 FR
                                                   23637
Initiate SBREFA....................     01/06/12  ......................
                                    ------------------------------------
NPRM...............................            To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards 
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, Washington, 
DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC48

364. Preventing Backover Injuries and Fatalities

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
    Abstract: OSHA published an RFI (77 FR 18973; March 29, 2012) that 
sought information on two subjects: 1) Preventing backover injuries; 
and 2) the hazards and risks of reinforcing concrete operations in 
construction, including post-tensioning. Backing vehicles and equipment 
are common causes of struck-by injuries and can also cause caught-
between injuries when backing vehicles and equipment pin a worker 
against an object. Struck-by injuries and caught-between injuries are 
two of the four leading causes of workplace fatalities. The Bureau of 
Labor Statistics reports that in 2011, 75 workers were fatally backed 
over while working. While many backing incidents can prove to be fatal, 
workers can suffer severe, non-fatal injuries as well. A review of 
OSHA's Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) database found 
that backing incidents can result in serious injury to the back and 
pelvis, fractured bones, concussions, amputations, and other injuries. 
Emerging technologies in the field of backing operations may prevent 
incidents. The technologies include cameras and proximity detection 
systems. The use of spotters and internal traffic control plans can 
also make backing operations safer. The Agency has held stakeholder 
meetings on backovers, and is conducting site visits to employers.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information.............   03/29/12  77 FR 18973
Comment Period End..................   07/27/12  .......................
Initiate SBREFA.....................   06/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jim Maddux, Director, Directorate of Construction, 
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, FP 
Building, Room N-3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax: 202 693-1689, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC51

[FR Doc. 2014-28971 Filed 12-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-04-P