Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Press Releases
OSHA Settles National Association of Manufacturers’ and Specialty Steel Industry of North America’s Challenge to Hexavalent Chromium Standard—05/21/07
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has signed an agreement with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), Public Citizen Health Research Group (HRG) and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (Steelworkers). This agreement settles NAM and SSINA’s challenge to OSHA’s hexavalent chromium standard (NAM et al. v. OSHA, 3d Cir Docket Nos. 06-2272 and consolidated cases).
As a result of the settlement, OSHA will issue a letter of interpretation addressing specific questions NAM and SSINA presented to OSHA regarding the agency’s new hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) standard for general industry. The letter will be issued by OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs.
On or before May 24, 2007, NAM and SSINA planned to file a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to withdraw their petition for review of the Cr(VI) standard. OSHA, HRG, and the Steelworkers have agreed not to oppose any motion NAM and/or SSINA may file to intervene in support of the Cr(VI) standard in the remaining cases.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure 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.
