In August 2008, the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a sweeping change to the way agencies treat toxic chemical risks in the workplace. The rule, which would change the assumptions about how long workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, is extremely controversial and prompted an outcry from the public and Congress.
By classifying the regulation as not “significant,” DOL did an end-run around cost-benefit analysis requirements, attempting to push through a rule with large public health and economic impacts with essentially no analysis of the pros and cons.
Policy Integrity submitted comments to the DOL requesting that a cost-benefit analysis be conducted.