2012-31499. Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, Labor.

ACTION:

Semiannual regulatory agenda.

SUMMARY:

The Internet has become the means for disseminating the entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda. However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda. In addition, the Department's Regulatory Plan, a subset of the Department's regulatory agenda, is being published in the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan contains a statement of the Department's regulatory priorities and the regulatory actions the Department wants to highlight as its most important and significant.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kathleen Franks, Director, Office of Regulatory Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room S-2312, Washington, DC 20210; [phone].

Note:

Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866 requires the semiannual publication of an agenda of regulations that contains a listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the coming one-year period. The entirety of the Department's semiannual agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov.

On January 18, 2011 the President issued Executive Order (E.O.) 13563, titled Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. The Department of Labor's fall 2011 Regulatory Agenda aims to achieve more efficient and less burdensome regulation through our renewed commitment to conduct retrospective reviews of regulations.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires DOL to publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda. The Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda published with this notice includes only those rules on its semiannual agenda that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and those rules identified for periodic review in keeping with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Thus, the regulatory flexibility agenda is a subset of the Department's semiannual regulatory agenda. At this time, there is only one item, listed below, on the Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Bloodborne Pathogens (RIN 1218-AC34)

In addition, the Department's Regulatory Plan, also a subset of the Department's regulatory agenda, is being published in the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan contains a statement of the Department's regulatory priorities and the regulatory actions the Department wants to highlight as its most important and significant.

All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be improved, and are invited to participate in and comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on the Department's agenda.

Hilda L. Solis,

Secretary of Labor.

Employee Benefits Security Administration—Long-Term Actions

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
330	Filings Required of Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements and Certain Other Entities That Offer or Provide Coverage for Medical Care to the Employees of Two or More Employers	1210-AB51

Occupational Safety and Health Administration—Proposed Rule Stage

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
331	Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica	1218-AB70
332	Occupational Exposure to Beryllium	1218-AB76
333	Bloodborne Pathogens (Section 610 Review)	1218-AC34

Occupational Safety and Health Administration—Final Rule Stage

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
334	Confined Spaces in Construction	1218-AB47
335	Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment	1218-AB67

Occupational Safety and Health Administration—Long-Term Actions

Sequence No.	Title	Regulation Identifier No.
336	Occupational Exposure to Food Flavorings Containing Diacetyl and Diacetyl Substitutes	1218-AC33

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Long-Term Actions

330. Filings Required of Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements and Certain Other Entities That Offer or Provide Coverage for Medical Care to the Employees of Two or More Employers

Legal Authority: Sec 6606 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Pub. L. 111-148; 124 Stat 119 (2010)

Abstract: This is a proposed rule under title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) that, upon adoption, would implement reporting requirements for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) and certain other entities that offer or provide health benefits for employees of two or more employers. The proposal amends existing reporting rules to incorporate new requirements enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) and to more clearly address the reporting obligations of MEWAs that are ERISA plans.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	12/06/11	76 FR 76222
NPRM Comment Period End	03/05/12
Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Amy J. Turner, Senior Advisor, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Building, Room N-5653, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone].

RIN: 1210-AB51

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Proposed Rule Stage

331. Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657

Abstract: Crystalline silica is a significant component of the earth's crust, and many workers in a wide range of industries are exposed to it, usually in the form of respirable quartz or, less frequently, cristobalite. Chronic silicosis is a uniquely occupational disease resulting from exposure of employees over long periods of time (10 years or more). Exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica causes acute or accelerated forms of silicosis that are ultimately fatal. The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for general industry is based on a formula proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) in 1968 (PEL = 10 mg/cubic meter/(% silica + 2), as respirable dust). The current PEL for construction and shipyards (derived from ACGIH's 1970 Threshold Limit Value) is based on particle counting technology, which is considered obsolete. NIOSH and ACGIH recommend 50 µg/m³ and 25 µg/m³ exposure limits, respectively, for respirable crystalline silica.

Both industry and worker groups have recognized that a comprehensive standard for crystalline silica is needed to provide for exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and worker training. ASTM International has published recommended standards for addressing the hazards of crystalline silica. The Building Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO has also developed a recommended comprehensive program standard. These standards include provisions for methods of compliance, exposure monitoring, training, and medical surveillance.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Completed SBREFA Report	12/19/03
Initiated Peer Review of Health Effects and Risk Assessment	05/22/09
Completed Peer Review	01/24/10
NPRM	05/00/13

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N-3718, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 1218-AB70

332. Occupational Exposure to Beryllium

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657

Abstract: In 1999 and 2001, OSHA was petitioned to issue an emergency temporary standard by the United Steel Workers (formerly the Paper Allied-Industrial, Chemical, and Energy Workers Union), Public Citizen Health Research Group, and others. The Agency denied the petitions but stated its intent to begin data gathering to collect needed information on beryllium's toxicity, risks, and patterns of usage. On November 26, 2002, OSHA published a Request for Information (RFI) (67 FR 70707) to solicit information pertinent to occupational exposure to beryllium, including: current exposures to beryllium; the relationship between exposure to beryllium and the development of adverse health effects; exposure assessment and monitoring methods; exposure control methods; and medical surveillance. In addition, the Agency conducted field surveys of selected worksites to assess current exposures and control methods being used to reduce employee exposures to beryllium. OSHA convened a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) and completed the SBREFA Report in January 2008. OSHA also completed a scientific peer review of its draft risk assessment.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Request for Information	11/26/02	67 FR 70707
Request For Information Comment Period End	02/24/03
SBREFA Report Completed	01/23/08
Initiated Peer Review of Health Effects and Risk Assessment	03/22/10
Complete Peer Review	11/19/10
NPRM	07/00/13

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N-3718, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 1218-AB76

333. Bloodborne Pathogens (Section 610 Review)

Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 5 U.S.C. 610; 29 U.S.C. 655(b)

Abstract: OSHA will undertake a review of the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) in accordance with the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. The review will consider the continued need for the rule; whether the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State or local regulations; and the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors may have changed since the rule was evaluated.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Begin Review	10/22/09
Request for Comments Published	05/14/10	75 FR 27237
Comment Period End	08/12/10
End Review and Issue Findings	05/00/13

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.

Agency Contact: Diana Cortez, Acting Director, Directorate of Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3641, FP Buildiing, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone].

RIN: 1218-AC34

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Final Rule Stage

334. Confined Spaces in Construction

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 40 U.S.C. 333

Abstract: In 1993, OSHA issued a rule to protect employees who enter confined spaces while engaged in general industry work (29 CFR 1910.146). This standard has not been extended to cover employees entering confined spaces while engaged in construction work because of unique characteristics of construction worksites. Pursuant to discussions with the United Steel Workers of America that led to a settlement agreement regarding the general industry standard, OSHA agreed to issue a proposed rule to protect construction workers in confined spaces.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
SBREFA Panel Report	11/24/03
NPRM	11/28/07	72 FR 67351
NPRM Comment Period End	01/28/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended	02/28/08	73 FR 3893
Public Hearing	07/22/08
Close Record	10/23/08
Final Rule	07/00/13

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Jim Maddux, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N-3468, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 1218-AB47

335. Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical Protective Equipment

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 40 U.S.C. 333

Abstract: Electrical hazards are a major cause of occupational death in the United States. The annual fatality rate for power line workers is about 50 deaths per 100,000 employees. The construction industry standard addressing the safety of these workers during the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines is nearly 40 years old. OSHA has developed a revision of this standard that will prevent many of these fatalities, add flexibility to the standard, and update and streamline the standard. OSHA also intends to amend the corresponding standard for general industry so that requirements for work performed during the maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution installations are the same as those for similar work in construction. In addition, OSHA will be revising a few miscellaneous general industry requirements primarily affecting electric transmission and distribution work, including provisions on electrical protective equipment and foot protection. This rulemaking also addresses fall protection in aerial lifts for work on power generation, transmission, and distribution installations. OSHA published an NPRM on June 15, 2005. A public hearing was held from March 6 through March 14, 2006. OSHA reopened the record to gather additional information on minimum approach distances for specific ranges of voltages. The record was reopened a second time to allow more time for comment and to gather information on minimum approach distances for all voltages and on the newly revised Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers consensus standard. Additionally, a public hearing was held on October 28, 2009.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
SBREFA Report	06/30/03
NPRM	06/15/05	70 FR 34821
NPRM Comment Period End	10/13/05
Comment Period Extended to 01/11/2006	10/12/05	70 FR 59290
Public Hearing To Be Held 03/06/2006	10/12/05	70 FR 59290
Posthearing Comment Period End	07/14/06
Reopen Record	10/22/08	73 FR 62942
Comment Period End	11/21/08
Close Record	11/21/08
Second Reopening Record	09/14/09	74 FR 46958
Comment Period End	10/15/09
Public Hearings	10/28/09
Posthearing Comment Period End	02/10/10
Final Rule	03/00/13

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N-3718, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 1218-AB67

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Long-Term Actions

336. Occupational Exposure to Food Flavorings Containing Diacetyl and Diacetyl Substitutes

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657

Abstract: On July 26, 2006, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) petitioned DOL for an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for all employees exposed to diacetyl, a major component in artificial butter flavoring. Diacetyl and a number of other volatile organic compounds are used to manufacture artificial butter food flavorings. These food flavorings are used by various food manufacturers in a multitude of food products, including microwave popcorn, certain bakery goods, and some snack foods. Evidence indicates that exposure to flavorings containing diacetyl is associated with adverse effects on the respiratory system, including bronchiolitis obliterans, a debilitating and potentially fatal lung disease. OSHA denied the petition on September 25, 2007, but has initiated 6(b) rulemaking. OSHA published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on January 21, 2009, but withdrew the ANPRM on March 17, 2009, in order to facilitate timely development of a standard. The Agency subsequently initiated review of the draft proposed standard in accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA). The SBREFA Panel Report was completed on July 2, 2009. NIOSH is currently developing a criteria document on occupational exposure to diacetyl. The criteria document will also address exposure to 2,3-pentanedione, a chemical that is structurally similar to diacetyl and has been used as a substitute for diacetyl in some applications. It will include an assessment of the effects of exposure as well as quantitative risk assessment. OSHA intends to rely on these portions of the criteria document for the health effects analysis and quantitative risk assessment for the Agency's diacetyl rulemaking.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Stakeholder Meeting	10/17/07	72 FR 54619
ANPRM	01/21/09	74 FR 3937
ANPRM Withdrawn	03/17/09	74 FR 11329
ANPRM Comment Period End	04/21/09
Completed SBREFA Report	07/02/09
Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Dorothy Dougherty, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N-3718, FP Building, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

RIN: 1218-AC33