OSHA Seeks Input on Streamlining Workplace Safety Paperwork
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Notice
Summary
OSHA is asking for public feedback on updating the paperwork rules for its Voluntary Protection Program, which helps workplaces stay safe. These changes aim to reduce the paperwork burden on employers without adding extra costs. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to do it by June 29, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
VPP Paperwork Cut by 16,368 Hours
OSHA is proposing to reduce the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) information-collection burden from 69,657 hours to 53,289 hours, a decrease of 16,368 hours. The notice lists 3,000 respondents, 9,470 responses, and shows an estimated total burden hours figure (listed later) of 53,440 and Estimated O&M cost of $0.
SGE Application Simplified; OF-612 Removed
OSHA revised the Special Government Employee (SGE) application: applicants must submit an eligibility information sheet, current resume, and an OGE Form 450 (confidential financial disclosure), and OSHA removed use of the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612). OSHA also created Safety Champions Program (SCP) SGEs to allow safety professionals from non-VPP sites to assist SCP participants.
PSM-Covered Employers Must Submit PSM Questionnaire
Employers whose work is covered by OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard must submit a PSM questionnaire as a supplement to their VPP application and annual evaluation. OSHA uses this information to verify continued qualification between on-site evaluations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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