Washington – OSHA tentatively plans to issue eight final rules and seven notices of proposed rulemaking during the next 12 months, according to the agency's most recent regulatory agenda, released Dec. 21.

Final rules are expected for confined spaces in construction; electric power transmission and distribution, and electrical protective requirements; and walking/working surfaces and personal fall protections systems. Two interim final rules are expected regarding whistleblower protection standards related to the Affordable Care Act and three other statutes.

NPRMs are expected on occupational exposure to crystalline silica and beryllium, OSHA’s injury and illness reporting system, and a revision to ease changes to State Plan jurisdictions.

The agency said it intends to issue simultaneous final rules and NPRMs for a revision to the Cranes and Derricks Standard, a consensus standard update to rules on signage, and a rule revoking a requirement for employers to keep and maintain certain records.

OSHA is supposed to issue two semiannual agendas every year, but this most recent agenda is the first released since the fall 2011 agenda was published on Jan. 20, 2012.