Silica and global harmonization of chemical labeling were among 19 regulatory priorities in the U.S. Department of Labor regulatory agenda published in the December 11 Federal Register. Occupational exposure to crystalline silica has been a continuing subject in the agency's regulatory agenda and has now been elevated to a priority. However, a planned peer review has been delayed again and now is slated for completion by April 2007.

A rule that would require employers to pay for employee personal protective equipment has been pushed back again by the agency after numerous delays. In the previous regulatory agenda, OSHA planned final action on the rule by September. Final action on the rule is now slated for May 2007.

By February 2007, the agency plans to complete its review of comments submitted in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) publication of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. OSHA issued the ANPRM Sept. 12 and said the GHS provisions would simplify hazard communication requirements for manufacturers and employers that ship chemicals internationally. AFS provided comments on the ANPRM.

Other activities on the regulatory agenda include a revision and update of electrical standards by January 2007, an ANPRM for walking and working surfaces and personal fall protection systems by October 2007, a direct final rule on updating OSHA standards based on national consensus standards by December 2006, a review of comments on a proposed rule that would incorporate updated National Fire Protection Association standards in shipyard protection by December 2006, and a request for information on emergency response and preparedness by May 2007.