In a letter to OSHA Administrator Charles N. Jeffress on Friday, ASSE President Frank Perry requested that OSHA extend the comment period for the draft ergonomic standard until April 3, 2000.
Perry said that "due to the significant size of the draft standard, ASSE members' interest, and the need to conduct more detailed analysis," ASSE believes the comment due date of Feb. 1 is too short.
"We believe that an extension of April 3 would then be enough time for ASSE and other stakeholders to complete a review and prepare comments," Perry's letter said.
Perry asked Jeffress to reconsider the notion that an extension period is not appropriate. Jeffress has stood firm during media inquiries that he will not extend the public comment period for the proposal despite receiving requests to do so.
Under the public participation notice, interested person or groups are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the proposed standard. A public hearing, where people will be given the chance to submit oral testimony about the proposed standard, will take place on Feb. 22 in Washington, D.C.
