The building sector argues that the size of the scientific and analytical record that OSHA has amassed to back up the need for control measures in its proposed rule to cut crystalline silica exposures is so huge that it will take much longer than the current 90-day comment period to evaluate and offer feedback on the plan.

Worker safety and environmental advocates in New Jersey are voicing deep concerns about the effectiveness of the state government's rollout of rules intended to require so-called “inherently safer technology” (IST) in chemical plants across the densely populated state, echoing calls at the federal level for rules mandating employers seek alternatives to cut the risks involved in chemicals and processes currently in use.

OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security are working toward a formal partnership in which data would be shared among the agencies regarding chemical plant safety and security, OSHA chief David Michaels recently said.

Political leaders in both parties made emphatic statements that more effective data sharing among OSHA and other federal agencies -- especially the Environmental Protection Agency -- could help head off chemical releases and explosions stemming from inadequate plant safety measures.

A key manufacturing group has formally asked OSHA to extend by 90 days the public comment period on its planned rule to reduce exposures to crystalline silica, arguing that the nearly 800-page proposal warrants at least that much more time for industries to review and analyze it before OSHA can reasonably move ahead.

Composites manufacturers are expressing concern that OSHA has not adequately assessed the economic and technological feasibility of its proposed new crystalline silica control measures as they would apply to the industry, and are asking the agency to conduct an industry-specific study -- followed by allowing 90 days for businesses to respond to the assessment -- before moving toward a final rule.

Business interests see little chance of OSHA promulgating a final rule tackling respirable crystalline silica exposures before the end of President Obama's second term.

Health and safety advocates are pushing OSHA to toughen its newly proposed crystalline silica standards, even as industry complains that aspects of the planned rule are too strict.

Several construction industry trade groups are banding together to seek key changes to OSHA's newly released proposed rule tackling crystalline silica exposures, and hope to discuss with OSHA its scientific rationale for the proposed exposure level as well as the construction-specific control measures.

Industry stakeholders affected by OSHA's proposed rule tackling crystalline silica exposures will almost certainly seek an extension of the 90-day comment period set out under the rulemaking, sources tell Inside OSHA Online.