News & Information

SAFETY / OSHA - 12/20/10

OSHA extends comment period for proposed new interpretation of its provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise

OSHA announced today that it is extending by 90 days the official comment period to March 21, 2011, for its "Interpretation of OSHA's Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise,"proposed official interpretation of the term "feasible administrative or engineering controls," published in the Federal Register on October 19, 2010 (at 75 FR 64216). The agency also announced that it will hold a stakeholder meeting before the end of the comment period to listen to the concerns of businesses and workers about the proposed noise interpretation. Responding to continuing high levels of hearing loss among employees in the nation's workplaces, the notice proposed to make enforcement of the hearing conservation standard consistent with enforcement of other OSHA standards by clarifying the term "feasible administrative or engineering controls" as used in OSHA's general industry and construction occupational noise exposure standards. Comments may be submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov. Alternatively, individuals may mail or deliver comments (three copies) to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2010-0032, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210. Submissions not longer than 10 pages may be faxed to 202-693-1648.

"We're very eager to get input from those parties who would be affected by this proposed interpretation," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "We have by no means completed our review of the issue and seek to make an informed decision that is in the best interest of protecting workers, yet sensitive to the operating changes businesses would need to make." OSHA's current enforcement policy for noise exposures less than 100 decibels has not accurately reflected the noise standard's requirements that feasible engineering and administrative controls be used as the primary means of reducing noise exposure. Instead, OSHA has allowed many employers to rely upon a hearing conservation program, which may include the use of hearing protectors, such as ear plugs. Michaels noted that sufficient evidence exists to indicate that hearing protection alone cannot prevent workers from suffering preventable hearing loss. He further commented that many employers want to do the right thing and he hopes that with their input, OSHA will be able to formulate a solid policy.

Visit our News Library to read more news stories.