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Nine trade groups are asking EPA to initiate a pre-proposal small-business review of its hotly anticipated formaldehyde rule even before finishing the risk evaluation the policy will be based on, saying that unusual step would help ensure small employers are aware of the rulemaking process and can prepare for -- or help avert -- strict new workplace limits.

Nine trade groups are asking EPA to initiate a pre-proposal small-business review of its hotly anticipated formaldehyde rule even before finishing the risk evaluation the policy will be based on, saying that unusual step would help ensure small employers are aware of the rulemaking process and can prepare for -- or help avert -- strict new workplace limits.

OSHA has sent a long-pending final rule to update its chemical hazard communications standard (HCS) for White House review, after industry groups warned the proposed version would require them to gather a “vast” amount of new information on such substances -- and even support more stringent policies from other agencies.

OSHA has sent a long-pending final rule to update its chemical hazard communications standard (HCS) for White House review, after industry groups warned the proposed version would require them to gather a “vast” amount of new information on such substances -- and even support more stringent policies from other agencies.

The contracting company challenging OSHA’s standard-setting power as unconstitutional is seeking en banc review of the case, both renewing its arguments that the OSH Act violates the Supreme Court’s non-delegation doctrine and saying a panel decision upholding the law created a new and possibly “ruinous” mandate that the agency “must” regulate workplace dangers.

A broad coalition of employers and trade groups is raising yet more objections to OSHA’s proposal to allow compliance officers inspecting a workplace to bring worker representatives on walkarounds even if they are not affiliated with that firm, saying the rule will conflict with other agencies’ authority while also creating major difficulties for inspections.

A broad coalition of employers and trade groups is raising yet more objections to OSHA’s proposal to allow compliance officers inspecting a workplace to bring worker representatives on walkarounds even if they are not affiliated with that firm, saying the rule will conflict with other agencies’ authority while also creating major difficulties for inspections.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of EPA’s proposal to regulate trichloroethylene (TCE), setting the stage for renewed debate on which of two potential workplace exposure limits the agency should apply after a years-long clash over the solvent’s potential links to fetal heart defects.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed its review of EPA’s proposal to regulate trichloroethylene (TCE), setting the stage for renewed debate on which of two potential workplace exposure limits the agency should apply after a years-long clash over the solvent’s potential links to fetal heart defects.

Groups representing sheriffs and other first responders are again urging lawmakers to reauthorize the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, warning that allowing it to lapse has increased terrorism risks and limited collaboration between local emergency services.