The Department of Labor (DOL) has published in today’s Federal Register its semiannual regulatory agenda. (pdf)  The agenda lists all regulations the agency expects will be under review or development until April 2010, as well as those completed within the past six months. Specifically, the document lists 13 items in the pre-rule, proposed rule, final rule, and long-term action stages, along with a brief description, review timetable, comment period, and agency contact information for each regulation. 

Of the 13 regulations, four are listed as being under section 610 review. Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires each federal agency to develop a plan for the periodic review of its rules that have or will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Those regulations currently under such review by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) include the bloodborne pathogens and methylene chloride standards. Also included in this review category are the explosives and blasting standard in the pre-rule stage at the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the plan assets – participant contributions regulation under review by the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).