OSHA issues confined spaces proposed rule

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a proposed rule for construction employees working in confined spaces.

The agency is accepting public comments on the proposed standard until January 28, 2008.

“The existing construction standard for confined spaces would be updated and comprehensively revised to better protect construction employees from atmospheric and physical hazards.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., commented: "The existing construction standard for confined spaces would be updated and comprehensively revised to better protect construction employees from atmospheric and physical hazards. This rule will reduce the number of construction injuries and fatalities and greatly improve safety and health in the workplace."

The proposed rule addresses construction-specific issues and sets out how to assess the hazards, classify the space, and implement effective procedures to protect employees.