OSHA Adds Another Intertek Testing Site to Its Recognized Labs

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!

2026-06578, Walking-Working Surfaces

OSHA is proposing to remove the deadline that requires all fixed ladders over 24 feet to have personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. They’re also asking if employers should be allowed to keep using ladder cages instead of these newer safety systems. This affects employers with tall ladders and could change safety rules, with comments due by June 5, 2026.

2026-22014, Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment 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 fire safety in shipyards going strong. This affects shipyard employers who must keep certain records to protect workers from fire hazards. Comments are open until December 28, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a smooth extension of current rules.

2026-22021, Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture; Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project; Grant of Permanent Variance

OSHA has given the Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture a permanent green light to use special safety rules while working in compressed air for the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project in Manchester, NH. This change starts October 29, 2026, and lasts until the project wraps up, helping the team work smarter and safer underground. No extra costs or delays are expected, just a smoother tunnel build!

2026-22023, Grain Handling Facilities 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 grain handling facilities going strong. This affects employers who run these facilities, making sure they keep up with safety info collection without adding extra hassle. Comments are open until December 28, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension of current rules.

Previous: 2026-22016, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Records of Tests and of Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment

The Department of Labor wants to keep mine workers safe by making sure records of tests on hoisting equipment, like wire ropes, are accurate and up-to-date. They’re asking for public feedback by November 30, 2026, to improve how this info is collected without adding extra hassle or cost. This helps catch problems early and prevent accidents underground.

Next: 2026-22018, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Contribution Operations

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info from state unemployment offices about employer contributions and reports. They’re asking for public feedback by December 28, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and doesn’t cause too much paperwork hassle. This helps keep unemployment programs running smoothly without wasting time or money.