Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on U.S. Department of Labor's Risk Assessment Procedures Published in Federa...(ormation underlying the department's hea...),Health

The proposal gives the department's scientists and technical experts the necessary latitude to exercise their professional discretion and to modify their assessments as science evolves, while ensuring that the department's process is fully accountable and transparent to the public.

Finally, the ANPRM process is not new. OSHA has included an ANPRM in the last three health standards it promulgated, including two that were started more than 20 years ago. This important process ensures that those responsible for drafting the standard have the best available scientific information to produce a thorough and accurate risk assessment that effectively protects workers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.