The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has prepared a direct final rule on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), updating the existing standard promulgated in 2009 regarding the use of head gear, that it will publish in the Federal Register Friday, on June 22, 2012.

If the agency receives no adverse comments from the public during its open commentary that runs through July 22, 2012, it will go straight to implementing the rule through an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review.

If objections are raised, OSHA has also prepared a proposed rule and will begin the process all over again.

The new rule on head gear usage applies to general industry, shipyards, longshoring, marine terminals, and the construction industry. OSHA notes about the rule:

By making the requirements of OSHA’s head protection standards consistent with the Agency’s other standards and with current industry practices, the direct final rule will eliminate confusion and clarify employer obligations, while providing up-to-date protection for workers exposed to falling objects.

Submit comments and any additional material (e.g., studies, journal articles) to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2011-0184 or RIN No. 1218-AC65, Technical Data Center, Room N-2625, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone:  (202) 693-2350.  (OSHA’s TTY number is ((877)) 889-5627.)