The DOL on July 3 released its spring regulatory agenda outlining the activities of its sub-agencies for the remainder of 2013, including OSHA. The regulatory agenda lists the priorities of the administration and the rulemakings they expect to release this year; however, OSHA is not required to adhere to the timeline.Ìý

OSHA has officiallyÌýwithdrawn a proposed ruleÌýthat would have changed how the agency operated its On-site Consultation Program for worksites, including those that have Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program status. The agency withdrew the rule after reviewing comments, including those submitted by ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓand the Coalition for Workplace Safety.Ìý

The Department of Labor (DOL) on July 3 released its spring regulatory agenda outlining the regulatory activities of its sub-agencies for the remainder of 2013. The regulatory agenda lists the priorities of the administration and the rulemaking they expect to release this year; however, DOL is not required to adhere to the timeline.

ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓJuly 2Ìýsubmitted commentsÌýto the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expressing disappointment in a proposed rule that would implement provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) related to the minimum value of eligible employer-sponsored plans and the health insurance premium tax credit.Ìý

OSHA must stick to a six-month statute of limitations when citing a company for failure to record an injury or illness and cannot treat such an event as a continuing violation throughout the five-year recordkeeping period, according to anÌýApril 6 decisionÌýby a federal appeals court. The decision overturned a position that had been in place since 1993.Ìý

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is withdrawing a Dec. 1 direct final rule that would have altered the USDA’s procurement policies to require federal contractors to certify that they, as well as their subcontractors and suppliers, were in compliance with all applicable labor laws.Ìý

For more than three years, ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓhas advocated for the repeal of the complex and costly employer mandate included in the Affordable Care Act. On July 2, the Obama Administration finally acknowledged employers’ concerns about implementing the burdensome requirements in a timely and effective manner.Ìý

OSHA June 13 issued aÌýdirect final ruleÌýto update the construction signage standards by adding references to the latest versions of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus standards on specifications for accident prevention signs and tags. The rule retains the existing references to the earlier ANSI standards, which allows employers the option to either comply with the updated or earlier standards.

OSHAÌýannounced on June 25Ìýthat it will be conducting a new National Emphasis Program on occupational exposure to isocyanates, which are used in materials including paints, varnishes, auto body repair, and building insulation.Ìý

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee passed the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 1772) on June 26 in a vote of 22-9. The bill would establish a new mandatory employment verification system by modifying the current E-verify system. ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓsent a letter of support to the committee chairman before the vote.