OSHA Seeks Public Input on Workplace Health and Safety Issues; Meeting Scheduled

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a notice scheduling a public meeting February 10, 2010, in Washington, D.C., to consider a range of issues relating to workplace safety. According to the notice, OSHA will also establish a public docket as part of this initiative, which is “in keeping” with a presidential memorandum and Office of Management and Budget directive to give the public more opportunities to participate in regulatory decisions and developments.

Among other matters, the agency seeks input on “the most important emerging or unaddressed health and safety issues in the workplace,” what the agency can do to “enhance the voice of workers in the workplace,” whether OSHA needs to take additional measures to improve its compliance assistance efforts for the benefit of small businesses, and how the agency can better “reach high risk employees and
employers with training, education and outreach.” Those planning to attend the meeting must register by February 3, and written comments must be submitted by March 30.