Recordkeeping and Crane Proposals New on OSHA Agenda
According
to OSHA’s latest semiannual regulatory agenda, released July 3, the agency
plans to issue two new proposals related to recordkeeping and cranes and
derricks in construction. The regulatory agenda lists the priorities of the
administration and the rulemakings they expect to release this year; however,
OSHA is not required to adhere to the timeline.
Recordkeeping
New to OSHA’s agenda is a proposed rule with a target
release date of November, which would amend its recordkeeping regulations. The
proposal would, “clarify that the duty to make and maintain accurate records of
work-related injuries and illnesses is an ongoing obligation.” According to the agency, if the employer
fails to create a record when first required to do so, the duty does not expire.
OSHA’s timing of the new rulemaking is notable in light of a
recent recordkeeping case involving an ABC member, in which the U.S. District
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that a company’s failure to
record an injury or illness is a distinct event, not an ongoing one. The court
also ruled the statute of limitations for OSHA to fine a company for such a
violation is six months after the last violation occurred, not six months after
the record-keeping period ends.
Cranes and Derricks
Also new to OSHA’s agenda is a proposed rule slated for
September which would make corrections and amendments to the cranes and
derricks in construction standard published in August 2010. According to the
agency, the proposal clarifies the exclusion for work activities by
articulating cranes and broadens the exclusion for forklifts carrying loads
under the fork, along with other clarifications.
(From ABC)
Trenton H. Cotney
Florida Bar Certified Construction Lawyer
Trent Cotney, P.A.
1211 N Franklin St
Tampa, FL 33602
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