[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37334-37339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12911]



[[Page 37333]]

Vol. 81

Thursday,

No. 111

June 9, 2016

Part XIII





Department of Labor





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 111 / Thursday, June 9, 2016 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 37334]]


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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).

Thomas E. Perez,
Secretary of Labor.

                Wage and Hour Division--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
182.......................  Defining and Delimiting            1235-AA11
                             the Exemptions for
                             Executive,
                             Administrative,
                             Professional, Outside
                             Sales, and Computer
                             Employees.
183.......................  Establishing Paid Sick             1235-AA13
                             Leave for Contractors,
                             Executive Order 13706.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


       Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
184.......................  Modernizing the Permanent          1205-AB75
                             Labor Certification
                             Program (PERM).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


        Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
185.......................  Workforce Innovation and           1205-AB73
                             Opportunity Act.
186.......................  Workforce Innovation and           1205-AB74
                             Opportunity Act; Joint
                             Rule With U.S. Department
                             of Education for Combined
                             and Unified State Plans,
                             Performance
                             Accountability, and the
                             One-Stop System Joint
                             Provisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
187.......................  Conflict of Interest Rule--        1210-AB32
                             Investment Advice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
188.......................  Bloodborne Pathogens               1218-AC34
                             (Section 610 Review).
189.......................  Combustible Dust..........         1218-AC41
190.......................  Preventing Backover                1218-AC51
                             Injuries and Fatalities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 37335]]


   Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
191.......................  Occupational Exposure to           1218-AB76
                             Beryllium.
192.......................  Infectious Diseases.......         1218-AC46
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
193.......................  Injury and Illness                 1218-AC48
                             Prevention Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
194.......................  Occupational Exposure to           1218-AB70
                             Crystalline Silica.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

Final Rule Stage

182. 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 Department proposes to update the regulations 
governing which executive, administrative, and professional employees 
(white collar workers) are entitled to the Fair Labor Standards Act's 
minimum wage and overtime pay protections. Key provisions of the 
proposed rule include: (1) Setting the standard salary level required 
for exemption for full-time salaried workers; (2) increasing the total 
annual compensation requirement needed to exempt highly compensated 
employees; and (3) establishing a mechanism for automatically updating 
the salary and compensation levels going forward to ensure that they 
will continue to provide a useful and effective test for exemption. The 
Department last updated these regulations in 2004, which, among other 
items, set the standard salary level at not less than $455 per week.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/06/15  80 FR 38516
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/04/15
Final Rule..........................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mary Ziegler, Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Policy, Wage and Hour (WHD), Department of Labor, Wage and Hour 
Division, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-3502, FP Building, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-0406, Fax: 202 693-1387.
    RIN: 1235-AA11

183. Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Contractors, Executive Order 
13706

    Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
    Abstract: Executive Order 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for 
Federal Contractors (80 FR 54697) establishes paid sick leave for 
Federal contractors and subcontractors. The Executive order indicates 
that Executive Departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted 
by law, ensure that new contracts, contract-like instruments, and 
solicitations as described in section 6 of the order, include a clause, 
which the contractor and any subcontractors shall incorporate into 
lower-tier subcontracts, specifying that all employees, in the 
performance of the contract or any subcontract thereunder, shall earn 
not less than one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. 
Consistent with the Executive order, the Department of Labor will issue 
implementing regulations.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/25/16  81 FR 9592
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/28/16
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   03/14/16  81 FR 13306
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   04/12/16
Final Rule..........................   09/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert Waterman, Compliance Specialist, Department 
of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-
3010, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-0805, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1235-AA13

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Employment and Training Administration (ETA)

Proposed Rule Stage

184. Modernizing the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM)

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1152(a)(5)(A)
    Abstract: The PERM regulations govern the labor certification 
process for employers seeking to employ foreign workers permanently in 
the United States. The Department of Labor (Department) has not 
comprehensively examined and modified the permanent labor certification 
requirements and process since 2004. Over the last ten years, much has 
changed in our country's economy, affecting employers' demand for 
workers and the availability of a qualified domestic labor force. 
Advances in technology and information dissemination have dramatically 
altered common industry recruitment practices, and the Department has 
received ongoing feedback that the existing regulatory requirements 
governing the PERM process frequently do not align with worker or 
industry needs and practices. Therefore, the Department is engaging

[[Page 37336]]

in rulemaking that will consider options to modernize the PERM program 
to be more responsive to changes in the national workforce, to further 
align the program design with the objectives of the U.S. immigration 
system and needs of workers and employers, and to enhance the integrity 
of the labor certification process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: William W. Thompson II, Acting Administrator, 
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor, Employment 
and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, 
Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-3010.
    RIN: 1205-AB75

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Employment and Training Administration (ETA)

Final Rule Stage

185. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Legal Authority: Sec. 503(f) of the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113-128)
    Abstract: On July 22, 2014, the President signed the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Pub. L. 113-128). WIOA repeals 
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and amends the Wagner-Peyser 
Act. (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) The Department of Labor issued a Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on April 16, 2015, that proposed to 
implement the changes WIOA makes to the public workforce system in 
regulations. Through the NPRM, the Department proposed ways to carry 
out the purposes of WIOA to provide workforce investment activities, 
through State and local workforce development systems, that increase 
employment, retention, and earnings of participants, meet the skill 
requirements of employers, and enhance the productivity and 
competitiveness of the Nation. The Department has analyzed the comments 
received and is developing a final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/16/15  80 FR 20690
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/15/15
Final Rule..........................   06/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary for Employment and 
Training, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 
200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 
202 639-2700.
    RIN: 1205-AB73

186. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Joint Rule With U.S. 
Department of Education for Combined and Unified State Plans, 
Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop System Joint Provisions

    Legal Authority: Sec. 503(f) of the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113-128)
    Abstract: On July 22, 2014, the President signed the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Pub. L. 113-128) which repeals 
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) As 
directed by WIOA, the Departments of Education and Labor issued a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on April 16, 2015, to implement 
the changes in regulations that WIOA makes to the public workforce 
system regarding Combined and Unified State Plans, performance 
accountability for WIOA title I, title II, title III, and title IV 
programs, and the one-stop delivery system.
    All of the other regulations implementing WIOA were published by 
the Departments of Labor and Education in separate NPRMs. The 
Departments have analyzed the comments received and are developing a 
final rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/16/15  80 FR 20574
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/15/15
Final Rule..........................   06/00/16
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary for Employment and 
Training, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 
200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 
202 639-2700.
    RIN: 1205-AB74

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Completed Actions

187. Conflict of Interest Rule--Investment Advice

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1002; ERISA sec 3(21); 29 U.S.C. 1135; 
ERISA sec 505
    Abstract: This rulemaking would reduce harmful conflicts of 
interest by amending the regulatory definition of the term 
``fiduciary'' set forth at 29 CFR 2510.3-21(c) to more broadly define 
as fiduciaries those persons who render investment advice to plans and 
IRAs for a fee within the meaning of section 3(21) of the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and section 4975(e)(3) of the 
Internal Revenue Code. The amendment would take into account current 
practices of investment advisers, and the expectations of plan 
officials and participants, and IRA owners who receive investment 
advice, as well as changes that have occurred in the investment 
marketplace, and in the ways advisers are compensated that frequently 
subject advisers to harmful conflicts of interest.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/22/10  75 FR 65263
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/20/11  .......................
Second NPRM.........................   04/20/15  80 FR 21928
Second NPRM Comment Period End......   07/06/15  .......................
Notice of Public Hearing and           06/18/15  80 FR 34869
 Extension of Comment Period.
Extension of Comment Period End.....   07/21/15  .......................
Final Action........................   04/08/16  81 FR 20945
Final Rule Effective................   06/07/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jeffrey J. Turner, Deputy Director, Office of 
Regulations and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits 
Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room 
N-5655, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-8500.
    RIN: 1210-AB32


[[Page 37337]]



DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Prerule Stage

188. 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.......   10/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
    Agency Contact: Amanda Edens, Director, Directorate of Technical 
Support and Emergency Management, Department of Labor, Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP 
Building, Room N-3653, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2300, Fax: 
202 693-1644, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC34

189. Combustible Dust

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
    Abstract: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has 
initiated rulemaking to develop a combustible dust standard for general 
industry. OSHA will use information gathered, including from an 
upcoming SBREFA panel, to develop a comprehensive standard that 
addresses combustible dust hazards.
    Timetable:

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

    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., FP Building, Room N-3718, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected]
    RIN: 1218-AC41

190. Preventing Backover Injuries And Fatalities

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
    Abstract: 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 2013, 67 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, and is 
developing a standard to address these hazards.
    Timetable:

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

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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Proposed Rule Stage

191. 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 (RFI).......   11/26/02  67 FR 70707
RFI Comment Period End..............   02/24/03  .......................
SBREFA Report Completed.............   01/23/08  .......................
Initiated Peer Review of Health        03/22/10  .......................
 Effects and Risk Assessment.
Complete Peer Review................   11/19/10  .......................

[[Page 37338]]

 
NPRM................................   08/07/15  80 FR 47565
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/05/15  .......................
Notice of Public Hearing; Date 02/29/  12/30/15  80 FR 81475
 2016.
Notice of Public Hearing; Date         02/16/16  81 FR 7717
 Change 03/21/2016.
Analyze Comments....................   06/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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., FP Building, Room N-3718, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AB76

192. Infectious Diseases

    Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 29 U.S.C. 657 and 658; 29 U.S.C. 
660; 29 U.S.C. 666; 29 U.S.C. 669; 29 U.S.C. 673
    Abstract: Employees in health care and other high-risk environments 
face long-standing infectious disease hazards such as tuberculosis 
(TB), varicella disease (chickenpox, shingles), and measles (rubeola), 
as well as new and emerging infectious disease threats, such as Severe 
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and pandemic influenza. Health care 
workers and workers in related occupations, or who are exposed in other 
high-risk environments, are at increased risk of contracting TB, SARS, 
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other 
infectious diseases that can be transmitted through a variety of 
exposure routes. OSHA is concerned about the ability of employees to 
continue to provide health care and other critical services without 
unreasonably jeopardizing their health. OSHA is developing a standard 
to ensure that employers establish a comprehensive infection control 
program and control measures to protect employees from infectious 
disease exposures to pathogens that can cause significant disease. 
Workplaces where such control measures might be necessary include: 
Health care, emergency response, correctional facilities, homeless 
shelters, drug treatment programs, and other occupational settings 
where employees can be at increased risk of exposure to potentially 
infectious people. A standard could also apply to laboratories, which 
handle materials that may be a source of pathogens, and to 
pathologists, coroners' offices, medical examiners, and mortuaries.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information (RFI).......   05/06/10  75 FR 24835
RFI Comment Period End..............   08/04/10  .......................
Analyze Comments....................   12/30/10  .......................
Stakeholder Meetings................   07/05/11  76 FR 39041
Initiate SBREFA.....................   06/04/14  .......................
Complete SBREFA.....................   12/22/14  .......................
NPRM................................   03/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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., FP Building, Room N-3718, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC46

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Long-Term Actions

193. 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Stakeholder Meetings......   05/04/10  75 FR 23637
Notice of Additional Stakeholder       06/22/10  75 FR 35360
 Meetings.
                                     -----------------------------------
SBREFA..............................           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., FP Building, Room N-3718, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AC48

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Completed Actions

194. Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica

    Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
    Abstract: Crystalline silica is a significant component of the 
earth's crust, and many workers in a wide range of industries are 
exposed to it, usually in the form of respirable quartz or, less 
frequently, cristobalite. Chronic silicosis is a uniquely occupational 
disease resulting from exposure of employees over long periods of time 
(10 years or more). Exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline 
silica causes acute or accelerated forms of silicosis that are 
ultimately fatal. The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for 
general industry is based on a formula proposed by the American 
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) in 1968 (PEL = 
10mg/cubic meter/(% silica + 2), as respirable dust). The current PEL 
for construction and shipyards (derived from ACGIH's 1970 Threshold 
Limit Value) is based on particle counting technology, which is 
considered obsolete. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend 50 [mu]g/m\3\ and 25 
[mu]g/m\3\ exposure limits, respectively, for respirable crystalline 
silica.
    Both industry and worker groups have recognized that a 
comprehensive standard for crystalline silica is needed to provide for 
exposure monitoring,

[[Page 37339]]

medical surveillance, and worker training. ASTM International has 
published recommended standards for addressing the hazards of 
crystalline silica. The Building Construction Trades Department of the 
AFL-CIO has also developed a recommended comprehensive program 
standard. These standards include provisions for methods of compliance, 
exposure monitoring, training, and medical surveillance.
    The NPRM was published on September 12, 2013 (78 FR 56274). OSHA 
received over 1,700 comments from the public on the proposed rule, and 
over 200 stakeholders provided testimony during public hearings on the 
proposal. The agency is now reviewing and considering the evidence in 
the rulemaking record.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Completed SBREFA Report.............   12/19/03  .......................
Initiated Peer Review of Health        05/22/09  .......................
 Effects and Risk Assessment.
Completed Peer Review...............   01/24/10  .......................
NPRM................................   09/12/13  78 FR 56274
NPRM Comment Period Extended; Notice   10/31/13  78 FR 65242
 of Intention to Appear at Pub
 Hearing; Scheduling Pub Hearing.
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   01/29/14  79 FR 4641
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   02/11/14  .......................
Informal Public Hearing.............   03/18/14  .......................
Post Hearing Briefs Ends............   08/18/14  .......................
Final Rule..........................   03/25/16  81 FR 16285
Final Rule Effective................   06/23/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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., FP Building, Room N-3718, 
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1218-AB70

[FR Doc. 2016-12911 Filed 6-8-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-HL-P