TRADE NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday, November 21, 2001
Contact: Frank Meilinger
Phone: (202) 693-1999

WASHINGTON-The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced it is posting a new draft compliance directive for steel erection on its web site. This is the first time OSHA has published a directive on its public web site in draft form.

"This is a new way in which we can be more accessible and responsive in order to better inform the public," said OSHA Administrator John L. Henshaw. "We welcome suggestions and look forward to working together with the stakeholders on protecting America's steel workers."

The draft compliance directive includes an overview of the standard, inspection tips for OSHA compliance officers, compliance policy information, and definitions from the text of the standard. The draft directive can be accessed on the OSHA web site at http://www.osha-slc.gov/doc/steelerection/steelerection-memo.html

This is the first time OSHA has posted a draft compliance directive on the web and given the public an opportunity to send in informal suggestions. While suggestions are welcomed and appreciated, this is not part of the rulemaking process; the Agency will not be issuing an analysis on the suggestions received.

Informal suggestions on the draft directive can be sent electronically to OSHA at (messagestodoc@osha.gov). December 10, 2001 is the cut off date for receiving suggestions.

OSHA's new steel erection standard for construction goes into effect on January 18, 2002. The standard addresses the hazards that have been identified as the major causes of injuries and fatalities in the steel erection industry.

Because the directive is in draft form it is not an official Agency policy document.