[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 245 (Monday, December 22, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76746-76751]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28971]
[[Page 76745]]
Vol. 79
Monday,
No. 245
December 22, 2014
Part XII
Department of Labor
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 245 / Monday, December 22, 2014 /
Unified Agenda
[[Page 76746]]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of the Secretary
20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX
29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV
30 CFR Ch. I
41 CFR Ch. 60
48 CFR Ch. 29
Semiannual Agenda of Regulations
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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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.
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; (202) 693-5959.
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.
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. There is only one item on the Department
of Labor'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.
Thomas E. Perez,
Secretary of Labor.
Wage and Hour Division--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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354....................... Defining and Delimiting 1235-AA11
the Exemptions for
Executive,
Administrative,
Professional, Outside
Sales, and Computer
Employees.
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Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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355....................... Wage Methodology for the 1205-AB72
Temporary Non-
Agricultural Employment H-
2B Program.
356....................... Workforce Innovation and 1205-AB73
Opportunity Act (Reg Plan
Seq No. 96).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Prerule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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357....................... Bloodborne Pathogens 1218-AC34
(Section 610 Review).
358....................... Infectious Diseases (Reg 1218-AC46
Plan Seq No. 101).
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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359....................... Occupational Exposure to 1218-AB70
Crystalline Silica (Reg
Plan Seq No. 102).
360....................... Occupational Exposure to 1218-AB76
Beryllium.
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References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
[[Page 76747]]
Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Final Rule Stage
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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361....................... Confined Spaces in 1218-AB47
Construction.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
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Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
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362....................... Combustible Dust.......... 1218-AC41
363....................... Injury and Illness 1218-AC48
Prevention Program.
364....................... Preventing Backover 1218-AC51
Injuries and Fatalities.
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
Proposed Rule Stage
354. Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive,
Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1) (Fair Labor Standards Act)
Abstract: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) section 13(a)(1)
provides a minimum wage and overtime exemption for any employee
employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, professional
capacity, or in the capacity of an outside salesperson. President
Barack Obama issued a memorandum to the Secretary of Labor on March 13,
2014, directing the Secretary to modernize and streamline the existing
overtime regulations for executive, administrative, and professional
employees. The Department of Labor last updated these regulations in
2004.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 02/00/15 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Mary Ziegler, Director, Division of Regulations,
Legislation, and Interpretation, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Avenue NW., FP Building, Room S-3502, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202
693-0406, Fax: 202 693-1387.
RIN: 1235-AA11
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Proposed Rule Stage
355. Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment H-
2B Program
Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii(B); 8 U.S.C. 1148(c);
29 U.S.C. 49k; 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)
Abstract: The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes the
H-2B visa classification for a non-agricultural temporary worker
``having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of
abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform .
. . temporary [non-agricultural] service or labor if unemployed persons
capable of performing such service or labor cannot be found in this
country[.]'' 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b). The INA also requires an
importing employer (H-2B employer) to petition the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) for classification of the prospective temporary
worker as an H-2B nonimmigrant, and DHS must approve such petition
before the beneficiary can be considered eligible for an H-2B visa or
H-2B status. 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(1). The INA further requires DHS to
consult with ``appropriate agencies of the Government'' before
adjudicating an H-2B petition, and DHS has determined that it must
consult with the Department of Labor (DOL) to determine whether U.S.
workers capable of performing the temporary services or labor are
available and that the foreign worker's employment will not adversely
affect the wages or working conditions of similarly employed U.S.
workers. 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)(A). DHS's regulation requires H-2B
employers to obtain certification from DOL that these conditions are
met prior to submitting a petition to DHS. Id. As part of DOL's
certification, DHS requires DOL to determine the prevailing wage
applicable to an application for temporary labor certification. 8 CFR
214.2(h)(6)(iii)(D). DOL has established procedures to certify whether
a qualified U.S. worker is available to fill the petitioning H-2B
employer's job opportunity and whether foreign worker's employment in
the job opportunity will adversely affect the wages or working
conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. See 20 CFR part 655,
subpart A. As part of DOL's labor certification process and, pursuant
to the DHS regulations, 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)(D), DOL sets the wage
that employers must offer and pay foreign workers entering the country
on an H-2B visa. See 20 CFR 655.10. DOL revised the wage methodology
used in the H-2B program in 2011, and jointly with the Department of
Homeland Security again in 2013. The later action was an interim final
rule (IFR) in response to a court order. However, DOL requested and
received comments on all aspects of the 2013 revisions to the H-2B wage
methodology in the IFR. DOL has determined that further notice and
comment is appropriate on the proper methodology for determining the
prevailing wage in the H-2B program, and will consider comments
submitted in conjunction with the IFR together with comments submitted
on this new proposal in order to issue a final rule.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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NPRM................................ 12/00/14 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Lauren Bernstein, Acting Manager, Division of
Policy, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration,
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 200 Constitution Avenue NW.,
Room C-4312, FP Building, Washington, DC
[[Page 76748]]
20210, Phone: 202 693-3010, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 1205-AB72
356. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 96 in part II of this issue
of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1205-AB73
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Prerule Stage
357. 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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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....... 05/00/15 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.
Agency Contact: Francis Yebesi, Acting Director, Directorate of
Evaluation and Analysis, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., FP Bld, Rm N-3641,
Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2400, Fax: 202 693-1641, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 1218-AC34
358. Infectious Diseases
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 101 in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1218-AC46
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Proposed Rule Stage
359. Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica
Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 102 in part II of this
issue of the Federal Register.
RIN: 1218-AB70
360. 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 for permissible exposure limit (PEL) to
beryllium 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Request for Information............. 11/26/02 67 FR 70707
Request For Information Comment 02/24/03 .......................
Period End.
SBREFA Report Completed............. 01/23/08 .......................
Initiated Peer Review of Health 03/22/10 .......................
Effects and Risk Assessment.
Complete Peer Review................ 11/19/10 .......................
NPRM................................ 01/00/15 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, Washington,
DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 1218-AB76
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Final Rule Stage
361. 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 work sites. 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:
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Action Date FR Cite
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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.......................... 03/00/15 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jim Maddux, Director, Directorate of Construction,
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, FP
Building, Room N-3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC
20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax:
[[Page 76749]]
202 693-1689, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 1218-AB47
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Long-Term Actions
362. Combustible Dust
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has
commenced rulemaking to develop a combustible dust standard for general
industry. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) completed a study of
combustible dust hazards in late 2006, which identified 281 combustible
dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that killed 119 workers and
injured another 718. Based on these findings, the CSB recommended the
Agency pursue a rulemaking on this issue. OSHA has previously addressed
aspects of this risk. For example, on July 31, 2005, OSHA published the
Safety and Health Information Bulletin, ``Combustible Dust in Industry:
Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions.''
Additionally, OSHA implemented a Combustible Dust National Emphasis
Program (NEP) on March 11, 2008, launched a new Web page, and issued
several other guidance documents. However, the Agency does not have a
comprehensive standard that addresses combustible dust hazards.
OSHA will use the information gathered from the NEP to assist in
the development of this rule. OSHA published an ANPRM October 21, 2009.
Additionally, stakeholder meetings were held in Washington, DC, on
December 14, 2009, in Atlanta, GA, on February 17, 2010, and in
Chicago, IL, on April 21, 2010. A webchat for combustible dust was also
held on June 28, 2010, and an expert forum was convened on May 13,
2011.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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ANPRM............................... 10/21/09 74 FR 54333
Stakeholder Meetings................ 12/14/09 .......................
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 01/19/10 .......................
Stakeholder Meetings................ 02/17/10 .......................
Stakeholders Meetings............... 03/09/10 75 FR 10739
Initiate SBREFA..................... 02/00/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, Washington,
DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 1218-AC41
363. Injury and Illness Prevention Program
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 653; 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: OSHA is developing a rule requiring employers to
implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program. It involves
planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and
activities that protect employee safety and health. OSHA has
substantial data on reductions in injuries and illnesses from employers
who have implemented similar effective processes. The Agency currently
has voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (54 FR
3904 to 3916), published in 1989. An injury and illness prevention
program rule would build on these guidelines as well as lessons learned
from successful approaches and best practices under OSHA's Voluntary
Protection Program, Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program,
and similar industry and international initiatives such as American
National Standards Institute/American Industrial Hygiene Association
Z10, and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series 18001.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Stakeholder Meetings............... 06/03/10 75 FR 35360 and 75 FR
23637
Initiate SBREFA.................... 01/06/12 ......................
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NPRM............................... To Be Determined
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Perry, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-3718, Washington,
DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Fax: 202 693-1678, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 1218-AC48
364. Preventing Backover Injuries and Fatalities
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: OSHA published an RFI (77 FR 18973; March 29, 2012) that
sought information on two subjects: 1) Preventing backover injuries;
and 2) the hazards and risks of reinforcing concrete operations in
construction, including post-tensioning. Backing vehicles and equipment
are common causes of struck-by injuries and can also cause caught-
between injuries when backing vehicles and equipment pin a worker
against an object. Struck-by injuries and caught-between injuries are
two of the four leading causes of workplace fatalities. The Bureau of
Labor Statistics reports that in 2011, 75 workers were fatally backed
over while working. While many backing incidents can prove to be fatal,
workers can suffer severe, non-fatal injuries as well. A review of
OSHA's Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) database found
that backing incidents can result in serious injury to the back and
pelvis, fractured bones, concussions, amputations, and other injuries.
Emerging technologies in the field of backing operations may prevent
incidents. The technologies include cameras and proximity detection
systems. The use of spotters and internal traffic control plans can
also make backing operations safer. The Agency has held stakeholder
meetings on backovers, and is conducting site visits to employers.
Timetable:
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Action Date FR Cite
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Request for Information............. 03/29/12 77 FR 18973
Comment Period End.................. 07/27/12 .......................
Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/00/16 .......................
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jim Maddux, Director, Directorate of Construction,
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, FP
Building, Room N-3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC
20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax: 202 693-1689, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 1218-AC51
[FR Doc. 2014-28971 Filed 12-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-04-P