No Letup in Use of Excavations Standard
OSHA yesterday published its Regulatory
Flexibility Act review of the existing construction standard on excavations,
which was enacted in 1989. This required review looked at the standard's
effectiveness to see whether it should be kept on the books, and OSHA showed it
is needed.
"Our regulatory review found that the 1989
Excavations Standard has reduced deaths from approximately 90 per year to 70
per year. In addition, overall construction industry activity when adjusted for
inflation has increased 20 percent," Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke,
Jr. said. "As a result, the OSHA standard will remain in effect, although
we will be looking to issue some improved guidance and training materials to
help employers keep their employees safe."
Copies of the entire report may be obtained from OSHA's
Office of Publications, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3101, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210 (telephone 202-693-1888). The
report will be posted at www.regulations.gov and at www.osha.gov.