(OSHA) Chemical safety public listening sessions continue to encourage input from stakeholders

OSHA recently co-chaired several listening sessions regarding Executive Order 13650 on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. Deputy Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab chaired a session in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Feb. 19 along with Area Director Dorina Folse. On Feb. 27, New York Area Director Bob Kulick and Director of OSHA’s Office of Engineering Safety Lisa Long attended another listening session in Newark, NJ, marking the 14th session of the series. Frequent topics have included safer processes, worker/union participation and improved emergency response.

Signed on August 1, 2013 by President Obama, Executive Order 13650 is a multi-agency initiative to improve chemical safety and storage across the country. The Department of Labor, the Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies have joined forces to improve agency coordination, modernize policies and standards and identify best practices. The series of public listening sessions encourage input from stakeholders to reduce safety and security risks in the production and storage of potentially harmful chemicals. For more information on the executive order and upcoming opportunities to participate, visit the OSHA website.