OSHA’s 2024 Regulatory Agenda

The Dept. of Labor issued its Fall 2023 Regulatory Agenda on December 12.

The true pent-up demand for OSHA’s regulatory action is packed in the green room of regulations, waiting to step into the spotlight as proposed rules, where comments will be collected, hearings held and the topic of most discussion. 

This list includes:

PPE (fit) in Construction: Next step for OSHA is to “analyze the comments.” ISEA’s comments to OSHA stated:  PPE is adjustable and is available in a vast number of sizes, but employers must order them. In addition, we commented safety wearing apparel is available in a wide range of sizes, but needs to be ordered to be offered to workers.

Infectious Diseases: OSHA is seeking to protect employees across a range of industries from exposure to infectious pathogens that can cause significant disease. This rule would set a legal requirement for infection control, whereas CDC offers guidance.

Communication Tower Climbing Safety: The demand for broadband is creating a growing workforce of those who heights to install and maintain communications infrastructure. A proposed rule likely would call for use of ANSI/ISEA 121-2018-compliant dropped object prevention solutions, and more.

Emergency Response: OSHA is looking to update and reorganize the various requirements for emergency response, whether private or public.

Tree care: Arborists are calling for a new OSHA subsection that would cover all hazards found in this industry: falls, hearing protection, eye protection and more.  This rule making effort began in 2016.

Powered Industrial Trucks: This would update the reference to these products. Why does ISEA care? Because once this standards reference update is done, PPE reference updates are next!

What’s next for final rules?

COVID, for one.  Political considerations likely dominate.  It’s best chance for publication is in November after a potential Biden re-election.

Last, employers need to be aware of the Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses.  This rule comes into full effect on January 1.  Under this measure, many employers must send injury, illness and fatality data to OSHA; some of which will be published on line.

What would MetaCritic say of the regulatory agenda?

The left would love it, but give it an 8.5 because it needs more.  The Right would pan it because it demonstrates the Administration’s rush to regulate.  The vast middle, including ISEA, gives it high grades, but wants to see our star scholars under the spotlight of students of the year – that is, get some regs published!

Search

Trending

Standards

Global PPE

Issues

We are the safety equipment industry, united in the goal of protecting workers worldwide.

Our Mission

The voice of credibility for the safety equipment industry

Members & Leadership

Learn about ISEA members, leadership and awards

Board of Trustees

Your elected officials to help guide the association

ISEA Foundation

We help develop talent and raise awareness about worker safety

Staff

Meet the team

Explore Membership

ISEA membership gives you a seat at the table, delivers powerful insights and lets you engage with peers.  

Our education & training programs improve the effectiveness of safety equipment industry professionals.

QSSP

Our education & training programs improve the effectiveness of safety equipment industry professionals.

Executive Summit

Hear progressive ideas, learn best practices, and make peer connections.

Annual Business Meeting

Collaborate on standards development and track industry & policy trends

Event Calendar

See all upcoming events

Webinar Library

Access our webinar library

2024 ISEA Annual Meeting

Overview Registration Evening Events Sponsorships Agenda At the Annual Meeting, you’ll experience: Interactive Product Group Sessions Engage with your peers to discuss opportunities to create

Learn More

We are a trusted resource for industry insights and policy, with a window to Washington

Advocacy & Issues

Gain a powerful advocate in the halls of government

Industry Impact

Measuring the impact of the safety equipment industry

Industry Intelligence

Reports and tools for ISEA members

Market Data Analysis

Benchmark market share & product growth trends

Newsroom

Access the latest safety news & insights

Buyer's Guide

Discover our buyers guide to find the right PPE for your company and people.

Learn More

Tips For Buying PPE Online

Buying PPE online? Follow our guide to ensure it’s appropriate and high quality.

Learn More