(Salem) – Following state restrictions and federal recommendations on gatherings in light of the coronavirus outbreak, Oregon OSHA has canceled a series of statewide public hearings – including March 26-27 in Bend – involving proposed rules concerning job safety and health. The decision affects hearings on three proposed rules: clarification of employer responsibilities; a reduction in the permissible exposure limit for manganese compounds and fume; and an increase of certain minimum and maximum penalties for alleged violations. To ensure the public has time to give input on the proposals, Oregon OSHA will reschedule hearings for the employer responsibility and penalties rule proposals. The division will also extend the public comment period to at least two weeks after the last rescheduled hearings. Those public hearings will be rescheduled in the same cities as previously slated, in August or September 2020. Once the rescheduling is completed, hearing dates, times, and the new comment period ending date will be posted on the division’s website. Notices will also be sent to people who have signed up for the division’s email list about rule updates. People may sign up by visiting osha.oregon.gov and scrolling down to “Get email notifications.” Meanwhile, the March 26 manganese hearing in Bend – which is canceled – will not be rescheduled. However, the comment period for that rule proposal – which received public hearings in February and early March – will remain open until May 4, 2020. Details are as follows: Employer responsibilities – Canceled public hearings: March 26 (Oregon OSHA Bend field office); March 30 (Cook Memorial Library, La Grande); April 15 (Eugene Public Library); April 24 (Oregon OSHA Portland field office); May 7 (Coos Bay Public Library); May 14 (Medford Public Library). Work to reschedule public hearings is under way. Get a copy of the proposed rule: On osha.oregon.gov, go to “Rules and laws,” then “Proposed rules.” Or call 503-947-7449. Direct link available here. To comment by mail: Department of Consumer and Business Services/Oregon OSHA; P.O. Box 14480, Salem, OR 97309; Email – tech.web@oregon.gov Fax – 503-947-7461.
