OSHA takes another step towards reasonable regulation

OSHA took another step this week towards a more reasonable stance on regulation by announcing a final rule that removes some outdated requirements and streamlines and simplifies some standards.

Although the rule is part of an ongoing program to periodically review OSHA regulations, it meshes with steps taken earlier this year by OSHA shortly after the Obama administration announced an initiative to improve the regulatory environment for business. In those moves, OSHA withdrew ergonomics and noise control proposals.

OSHA made a point of noting that linkage in its press release about the final rule.

The final rule changes or eliminates requirements in the following areas:

• Respiratory protection
• The definition of potable water
• Hand-drying equipment
• Commercial diving
• Transmission of exposure and medical records to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health