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. The purpose of the proposed action is to establish procedures for the application of penalties for state and local government employers in accordance with § 40.1-2.1 of the Code of Virginia. The proposed amendments will allow Virginia Occupational Safety and Health to issue proposed penalties to state and local government employers for willful, repeat, and failure-to-abate violations, as well as serious violations that cause a fatal accident or are classified as "high gravity," (i.e., a violation that is classified as "high severity" and "high probability"). Violations that are classified as non-high gravity serious, and other-than-serious violations would not receive a penalty.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 40.1-2.1, 40.1-6, and 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia; Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-596).

Public Comment Deadline: December 28, 2016.

Agency Contact: John J. Crisanti, Policy and Planning 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 john.crisanti@doli.virginia.gov.