The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has moved the development of regulations to control combustible dust hazards to its long-term agenda despite pleas from the Chemical Safety Board to fast track the rules, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Combustible dust can be generated from most substances—plastics, metals, chemicals and foods—especially when ground or rendered finely enough. It can then spontaneously combust given the right environmental triggers.

A 2006 study by the board found at least 281 dust explosions and fires in the U.S. between 1980 and 2005. The accidents killed 119 workers and injured another 718. According to more recent figures, there's been no change in the frequency of deaths and injuries from dust accidents, despite more inspections and an OSHA education program.

In OSHA's just-released, twice-yearly regulatory agenda, the only notation about a combustible dust regulation was "next action undetermined."