OSHA seeks input on standards for occupational exposure to lead

OSHA is considering rulemaking to revise its general industry and construction standards for occupational exposure to lead based on medical findings since the issuance of the agency’s lead standards. Recent medical findings show that adverse health effects in adults can occur at Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) lower than the medical removal level and lower than the level required under current standards for employees to return to their former job status.

The agency is seeking input on reducing the current BLL triggers in the medical surveillance and medical removal protection provisions of the general industry and construction standards for lead. OSHA also is seeking input about how current ancillary provisions in the lead standards can be modified to reduce worker BLLs.

Specific questions posed by OSHA can be found at regulations.gov; search for Docket No. OSHA-2018-0004. Comments must be submitted on or before August 29, 2022.