The secretary may issue workplace safety rules and general orders, but must hold a public hearing, publish notice at least 10 days before the hearing, and publish the rules before they take effect.
§8. Rulemaking power A. The secretary may make and prescribe reasonable rules and regulations for the use of safety devices, safeguards, and other protective means for the prevention of accidents and for protection against industrial or occupational diseases in places of employment. He may issue general orders applicable to employers and employees, for the enforcement of such rules and regulations, or other provisions of law. B. Before any rule or regulation or general order is adopted, amended, or repealed, a public hearing shall be given. Not less than ten days before the hearing, a notice thereof shall be published in such newspapers as the secretary may prescribe. These rules and regulations shall be promptly published in such manner as the secretary, with the approval of the governor, shall deem desirable and shall take effect thirty days after their publication or at such later time as the secretary may fix. C. Rules, regulations, or general orders relating to the installation of safety devices or other safeguards, and the use thereof, shall conform to approved practices in the industries and places of employment involved, or in industries and places of employment similar in character to those involved. The employer who is required to install a safety device, safeguard, or other means of protection may use and employ any device that is recognized, used, approved, and found effective by the best practice in the same or similar industry or places of employment; and the employer shall not be limited to the selection and use of any particular make or type of device or safeguard. D. The publications herein directed or authorized shall be in newspapers published in the parishes where the industries or places of employment affected are located. Acts 2008, No. 743, §2, eff. July 1, 2008.