US Labor Departments OSHA extends deadline for submitting comments on recordkeeping proposed rule

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the comment period on the proposed rule to revise the Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting (recordkeeping) regulation to March 30, 2010.

OSHA published a proposed rule to revise its recordkeeping regulation on Jan. 29, 2010. The proposal would restore a column to the OSHA 300 Log that employers would use to record work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The proposed rule will not change existing requirements for when and under what circumstances employers must record MSDs on their injury and illness logs. The proposed rule is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-2010.htm.

Stakeholders requested an extension of the comment period, in part because of the severe February snowstorms that shut down workplaces for more than a week. The 15-day extension of the deadline ensures that stakeholders have a full 60 days to submit comments on the limited rulemaking.

Comments may be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the federal eRulemaking portal. If submitting comments by regular or express mail, hand delivery or messenger, send three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, number OSHA-2009-0044, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210. Comments not exceeding 10 pages may be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648.

For general and technical information, the public should contact Jim Maddux, OSHA Directorate of Standards and Guidance, at 202-693-1950.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.