Jan. 24, 2014
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA extends comment period on proposed silica rule to February 11

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the public comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica for an additional 15 days to Feb. 11, 2014.

In response to concerns raised about possible public confusion due to an error on www.regulations.gov, the federal government's online portal for submitting rulemaking comments, the deadline has been extended from Jan. 27 to Feb. 11 to allow stakeholders additional time to comment on the proposed rule. To submit comments using www.regulations.gov, stakeholders may click on the "COMMENT NOW!" box next to the title "Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica; Extension of Comment Period" and follow the instructions on-line for making electronic submissions.

Public hearings on the proposed rule are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2014. Information on the proposed rule is available at www.osha.gov/silica.

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 ensure 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.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.