Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Safety and Health Codes Board intends to consider amending 16VAC25-60, Administrative Regulation for the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program, which contains rules and procedures under which the Commonwealth carries out its obligations, as prescribed by Title 40.1 of the Code of Virginia and the Virginia State Plan for Occupational Safety and Health, as approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The proposed changes are intended to accommodate statutory changes to the Code of Virginia, strengthen anti-retaliation or "whistleblower" protections for both public and private sector employees, and specify the burden of proof threshold for Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program cases that go to circuit court.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 40.1-6 and 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 27, 2016.

Agency Contact: John J. Crisanti, Planning and Evaluation Manager, Department of Labor and Industry, Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-4300, FAX (804) 786-8418, or email crisanti.john@dol.gov.