Many OSHA rule changes predicted for 2016

December 2nd, 2015 by Dakota Software Staff Industry News

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration may have a particularly busy 2016 if current projections hold true. There are a number of final rules and other regulations on OSHA's plate, and experts and analysts believe a number of these considerations will be resolved during the coming year. Some of the rules are expected to be settled early in 2016, including a decision about an electronic reporting system for reporting occupational injuries, according to employment and labor law solutions provider Littler Mendelson. This rule change will likely have the broadest impact on the economy as a whole, as it's not tied to a specific industry or material. EHS compliance officers must pay attention to a variety of decisions in the coming year to remain on top of any and all operational changes they may need to implement.

Changes to electronic recordkeeping systems
Littler Mendelson said OSHA explicitly expressed a desire to reach a conclusion in terms of electronic recordkeeping and create a final rule to provide consistent, clear guidance to businesses. The administration has targeted March 2016 for the issuing of a final ruling, meaning OSHA could call for public comment in the preceding months. This final rule could help clear up gray areas and misconceptions that lead to reporting and recordkeeping errors, reducing fines and penalties for businesses.

Another broad change mentioned by Littler Mendelson is the institution of rules necessitating employer-led development of injury and illness prevention programs. While there's less of a sense of urgency with the prevention programs, it's worth keeping an eye on.

Other potential final rules approaching
In total, OSHA has 31 regulatory entries in the most recent federal regulatory agenda, according to The National Law Review. While not all of these entries will become final rules in 2016, it's very likely some of them will. Of the 31 entires, 11 are in the final rule stage and have the fewest barriers to becoming enforceable regulations. Action on general industry walking working surfaces - a rule that could affect a wide range of businesses - is expected in April 2016. A final ruling updating regulations related to crystalline silica exposure is planned for February 2016. Other potential rulings, such as exposure to combustible dust, have a few more steps left in the process before moving to the final rule phase. 2016 is shaping up to be a busy year in terms of changes to many OSHA rules.