Sniff Test: DOL Reviews Formaldehyde Record-Keeping Rules
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants your thoughts on rules that help protect workers from formaldehyde exposure. Employers must track and share exposure info and offer medical check-ups. Comments are open until October 29, 2026, and this helps keep workplaces safe without adding too much paperwork or cost.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork and compliance cost estimate for businesses
DOL estimates this information collection will affect 80,905 private-sector respondents, produce 1,045,878 responses annually, require 277,695 total annual hours, and impose $59,913,352 in total annual other costs. The collection seeks Office of Management and Budget (OMB) authorization for three years under OMB Control Number 1218-0145, and public comments are due by October 29, 2026.
Employers must monitor and notify workers
The OSHA Formaldehyde Standard requires employers to monitor workers' formaldehyde exposure, notify workers of their exposure results, and make medical surveillance available to workers. These steps are meant to protect workers from health harms caused by occupational formaldehyde exposure.
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