OSHA Updates Eye-, Face-PPE Standards; Ruling Effective Oct. 9

OSHA published a final rule in the Federal Register revising the personal protective equipment sections of its general industry, shipyard employment, long shoring and marine terminals standards concerning requirements for eye- and face -protective devices, and head and foot protection. Designed to bring the Department of labor's standards up to date with current technology, the amendments include a requirement that filler lenses and plates in eye-protective equipment meet a test for transmission of radiant energy such as light or infrared.

Noting that it requires PPE to be safely designed and constructed for the tasks performed, OSHA said it is updating the references in its regulations to reflect more recent editions of the applicable national consensus standards that incorporate advances in technology.

"Workers exposed to occupational hazards requiring head, foot, or eye and face protection will now be provided protection based on a standard that reflects state-of-the-art technology and materials," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. ''This final rule is another step in OSHA's efforts to update or remove references to outdated national consensus and industry standards."The average cost of a disabling eye injury is $3,048, meaning the annual cost to American industry reaches $ 365,760.