New deadline for OSHA rule change comments

March 8 is cutoff to review new rule on electronic data submissions.

By Bob Vavra January 6, 2014

A proposed OSHA rule that would require electronic submission of injury and illness data will have a comment period extended to March 8, the agency reported on Jan. 6. 

OSHA said in a press release the proposed rule would “improve workplace safety and health through improved tracking of workplace injuries and illnesses.” Employers are already required to collect and report the data, and the new rule covers the submission of the data electronically. 

The National Association of Home Builders made the request to allow for an additional 30 days to respond to the rule proposal. Other interested parties will also have the extended deadline to comment on the proposed rule.

“This is a proposal, not a final rule. We strongly encourage the public to assist us in the process of developing a final rule by submitting written comments and/or participating in this public meeting,” said OSHA administrator Dr. David Michaels. “We are eager to hear from the public. The public comment period and informal public meeting will allow interested parties to provide OSHA with information and testimony regarding the proposed regulation.”Comments may be submitted electronically at https://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal, or by mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for more details.


Author Bio: Bob is the Content Manager for Plant Engineering.