Democrats File Combustible Dust Legislation As OSHA Signals Tougher Stance

A bill filed by House Democrats to mandate that OSHA issue stopgap combustible dust workplace safety regulations -- then proceed with a final rulemaking to address the issue -- mirrors legislation that got through the chamber nearly three years ago but stalled in the Senate. The proposal’s strongest backers in the labor community acknowledge that it faces an uphill climb this time around in the GOP-led House. But even if the legislative effort can't surmount Republican opposition, the issue is far from sidelined, with OSHA pressing the concern with employers through tougher enforcement and mak