OSHA Proposes Major Changes with New Regulations

News Summary

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published over two dozen proposed rules aimed at modernizing safety standards and enhancing workplace safety regulations. As part of a deregulatory initiative, OSHA encourages feedback from employers and stakeholders during the public comment period, which will impact various industries. Key changes include modifications to the General Duty Clause, elimination of unnecessary medical evaluations, and adjustments in COVID-19 reporting. Employers are urged to remain informed and engaged as these changes may significantly affect compliance and safety practices.

OSHA Proposes Major Deregulation Changes Across Various Industries

On July 1, 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced more than two dozen proposed rules in the Federal Register aimed at transforming the regulatory landscape for multiple industries. This initiative could significantly alter how safety standards are enforced and push for modernized regulations in line with an overarching deregulatory strategy.

Motivation Behind the Regulatory Changes

The proposed rules have arisen in response to Executive Order 14192, titled “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” which instructs agencies to identify existing regulations that can be revoked while introducing new guidelines. This order underlines a commitment to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses while still promoting safety.

Public Participation in the Rule-Making Process

OSHA has opened a public comment period that will run through early September 2025. Employers, trade associations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes, allowing them to share their insights and concerns regarding these impactful regulations.

Key Changes in Safety Regulations

Among the most noteworthy alterations, OSHA has eliminated the requirement for its administrator to consult with the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health before making changes to standards related to construction work. This decision could streamline processes but also raise concerns about a lack of collaboration with safety experts.

Clarifications and Limitations

One of the proposed clarifications pertains to the General Duty Clause. Employers will no longer be cited for hazards deemed “inherent and inseparable from the core nature of a professional activity.” This change might significantly reduce OSHA’s enforcement capacity, particularly in high-risk sectors such as entertainment and journalism.

Withdrawal of Previously Proposed Rules

In response to stakeholder feedback, OSHA has also withdrawn a proposal requiring employers to record musculoskeletal disorders on OSHA logs. This decision took into account concerns about the necessity of maintaining such records. Nonetheless, existing obligations regarding occupational injury and illness records remain in effect.

DOL’s Initiative for Migrant Farmworker Regulations

The Department of Labor (DOL) has joined OSHA’s efforts by proposing the removal of regulatory procedures that relate to coordinated enforcement for migrant farmworkers. The aim is to enhance operational flexibility and eliminate outdated procedures that are no longer effective in today’s workforce environment.

Additional Regulatory Changes on the Horizon

OSHA’s current proposals include consolidating or eliminating duplicative safety standards while adopting a more performance-based approach. Such alterations are intended to reduce bureaucratic overhead while emphasizing effective safety practices.

Respirator Medical Evaluations and COVID-19 Guidelines

Another significant change involves the proposition to end medical evaluation requirements for certain respirators due to a lack of substantial evidence indicating that such evaluations effectively prevent adverse outcomes. Additionally, OSHA plans to rescind recordkeeping and reporting mandates related to COVID-19 exposures in healthcare settings.

Impact on Future Compliance and State-Level Regulations

While the proposed changes suggest a shift towards easing burdens on employers, stakeholders are urged not to diminish their safety efforts. Businesses should reassess their safety compliance programs and engage actively in the public feedback process. It is vital to note that these regulatory alterations may prompt pushback at the state level, particularly in jurisdictions known for stringent occupational safety enforcement.

Next Steps and Ongoing Considerations

With the comment period open until September 2, 2025, now is the time for affected industries to voice their opinions on the potential impacts of these regulatory changes. Employers should stay informed and actively participate in discussions that will shape the future of workplace safety standards.

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Additional Resources

• Jackson Lewis: OSHA Proposes Dozens of Deregulatory Rules
• Safety+Health Magazine: In Push for Deregulation, OSHA Publishes One Final Rule and 25 Proposed Rules
• LiveNOW: Trump Labor Deregulation Rules
• JD Supra: OSHA Key Player in DOL Deregulation
• Compliance Week: Trump-Era Deregulation Cuts OSHA Enforcement Powers on Workplace Hazards
• Wikipedia: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Google Search: OSHA deregulation
• Google Scholar: OSHA deregulation
• Google News: OSHA deregulation