OSHA Response "Unacceptable," CSB Says

In a public meeting today, members of the CSB declared the response by OSHA to seven longstanding recommendations–on combustible dust, fuel gas and the Process Safety Management standard–to be “unacceptable.” CSB also voted to make adoption of a combustible dust standard for general industry a first priority in the agency's "Most Wanted Safety Improvements” program.

“Over the years, CSB has made a number of recommendations to OSHA in the aftermath of tragic accidents that have killed dozens of workers, injured hundreds more, and caused millions of dollars in property damage," explains CSB Chair Rafael Moure-Eraso. "We are particularly concerned with the lack of action on a much-needed combustible dust standard. . . . Today’s vote designating OSHA’s responses to be 'open-unacceptable' means that we strongly believe these recommended regulatory changes are still needed to save lives and prevent accidents in the chemical industry.”

Learn more about CSB's recommendations here.