OSHA Extends Approval for Fall Protection Training Paperwork Rules
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
OSHA is asking for public feedback to keep the paperwork rules for construction fall protection training and safety info collection going strong. This affects construction employers who must keep records and train workers to prevent falls. Comments are open until February 17, 2026, with no new costs, just a smooth extension of current rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork extension for construction employers
If you are a construction employer, OSHA is asking OMB to extend approval of the paperwork rules under 29 CFR 1926.502 and 1926.503 so you must continue to collect and keep required fall-protection records and training documentation. OSHA is requesting public comments on that extension, with comments due by February 17, 2026.
Estimated paperwork burden increases
OSHA estimates the total paperwork burden will increase from 506,903 hours to 560,607 hours (an increase of 53,704 hours) because the number of affected establishments rose from 406,714 to 449,782 and total responses rose from 6,072,808 to 6,715,846. OSHA lists the Number of Respondents as 449,782 and the Estimated Total Burden Hours as 560,607.
Specific fall-protection record and training duties
If you run construction work, the standard requires you to certify safety nets, develop fall protection plans, and prepare worker training certification records. These duties mean employers must document safety measures and training for workers under 29 CFR 1926.502 and 1926.503.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11093 — Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
2026-10456 — Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-11801 — TÜV SÜD America, Inc.: Grant of Expansion of Recognition
OSHA just gave TÜV SÜD America, Inc. the green light to add a new testing site to their official safety lab list starting June 11, 2026. This means they can now test and certify even more products to keep workplaces safe. If you rely on their certifications, expect smoother approvals with this expanded power—no extra costs or delays announced.
2026-11553 — OSHA Outreach Training Program and the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program Forms; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements
OSHA is asking for public feedback to keep collecting info through its Outreach Training and Education Centers programs. This extension means employers and training centers can keep using the current forms without changes for now. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, and there’s no new cost or paperwork increase planned.
2026-11126 — 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane; 1, 3-Butadiene; 13 Carcinogens (4-Nitrobiphenyl, etc.); Acrylonitrile; Asbestos; Benzene; Cadmium; Coke Oven Emissions; Cotton Dust; Ethylene Oxide; Formaldehyde; Inorganic Arsenic; Lead; Methylene Chloride; Methylenedianiline; Vinyl Chloride; Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators; Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards; Textiles; Sawmills; Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards for Shipyard Employment; and Walking-Working Surfaces
OSHA is holding virtual public hearings starting August 19, 2026, to discuss new safety rules about harmful chemicals, workplace hazards, and respirator medical checks. These updates affect workers in industries like textiles, shipyards, sawmills, and more, aiming to keep everyone safer on the job. If you want to speak or share info, sign up by July 6, 2026—these changes could impact workplace safety and health costs.
2026-10735 — Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture; Application for Permanent Variance and Interim Order; Grant of Interim Order; Request for Comments
The Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture asked OSHA for special permission to change some safety rules while working in compressed-air environments on a tunnel project in New Hampshire. OSHA gave them a temporary green light starting May 29, 2026, while they decide if this change can be permanent. Workers and the public can share their thoughts by June 29, 2026, so everyone stays safe and the project keeps moving.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23056 — Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978
The National Science Foundation just announced a new permit application to use drones for tracking krill fishing in Antarctica. This affects researchers and environmental groups who must follow strict rules to protect wildlife and special areas. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until January 16, 2026, to speak up—no fees involved, just your voice!
Next: 2025-23058 — Crawler, Locomotive, and Truck Cranes Standard; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements
OSHA is asking for public feedback to keep the paperwork rules for companies using crawler, locomotive, and truck cranes. This extension means employers will keep following the same info collection rules, with no new costs or changes. Comments are open until February 17, 2026, so crane operators and companies should speak up if they want to.