OSHA granted Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture a permanent variance on the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project, allowing the contractor to use an alternative safety method approved as equally protective of the standard it replaces — a reminder that variances exist for exactly this kind of underground work and are worth exploring if a standard spec doesn't fit your tunnel job. federalregister.gov
OSHA expanded the scope of recognition for Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, meaning more product categories can now carry an Intertek safety certification OSHA will accept on a job site. federalregister.gov
OSHA's proposed changes to the respiratory protection standard would update fit-testing and medical-evaluation requirements that affect any New York contractor running an abatement or silica-control program; the rule is still in proposal stage with no compliance deadline yet. ohsonline.com