Tim Serie Quoted in Chemical Watch on Role of OSHA in US Chemical Regulations

Associate Tim Serie (Washington, DC) was quoted in a March 8 article in Chemical Watch titled "Official Downplays OSHA Role in US Chemical Regulation." The article focuses on comments by William Perry, director of the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)'s Directorate of Standards and Guidance, apparent downplaying of the significance of OSHA's confirmation that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be consulting with it on worker safety issues as it reviews chemicals under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Tim noted that the EPA does have the authority to regulate workplace chemical exposure, but thinks "it is prudent for EPA to use that authority in a deliberate way and to coordinate with OSHA." He does not think OSHA will serve as a roadblock to the EPA in this matter, citing that OSHA raised no objections when the EPA proposed employee-focused regulations of certain chemicals. 

Tim also noted that while the EPA has looked to revise the structure of significant new use rules "to align more closely with OSHA standards," the prevalence of these significant new use rules addressing worker exposure has not decreased.

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