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 Unveils Sweeping Deregulatory Changes on July 1, 2025

On July 1, 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a series of over two dozen proposed rules in the Federal Register that signify a significant shift in regulatory practices across multiple industries. This initiative aims to streamline regulations, modernize outdated standards, and implement a more deregulatory approach.

Proposals Align with Executive Order 14192

The newly proposed rules are part of a larger strategy aligning with Executive Order 14192, titled “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” This order requires agencies to identify a minimum of ten existing regulations to repeal alongside any new regulations proposed. The outcome of this initiative could have a lasting impact on various sectors, including construction, healthcare, and agriculture.

Public Input Welcomed

The public comment period for most of the proposed rules will remain open until early September 2025, giving employers, trade associations, and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback on how these proposals may affect their operations. Engaging in this process is crucial for those who could be impacted by the regulatory changes.

Key Regulatory Changes Announced

One of the noteworthy final rulings effective immediately on July 1, 2025, eliminates the need for OSHA’s administrator to consult with the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health prior to modifying or revoking construction standards. This change simplifies the regulatory framework, but it also raises concerns about potential lapses in safety considerations.

Additionally, the proposals seeking to clarify the General Duty Clause suggest that OSHA may no longer impose citations on employers for conditions that are considered “inherent and inseparable” from the nature of a specific professional activity. This change could notably narrow OSHA’s enforcement capabilities, particularly in high-risk fields such as entertainment and journalism.

Changes Affecting Recordkeeping and Reporting

In response to stakeholder opposition, OSHA has withdrawn a proposal to add a column for recording musculoskeletal disorders on the OSHA 300 Log. However, existing employee obligations regarding occupational injury and illness records will remain intact. Furthermore, OSHA proposes to eliminate medical evaluation requirements for certain respirators, citing insufficient evidence to link these evaluations to significant adverse outcomes.

Another significant change involves the decision to end recordkeeping and reporting mandates for COVID-19 exposure in healthcare settings. These adjustments reflect OSHA’s ongoing efforts to revise standards pertaining to emerging health challenges.

Broader Industry Implications

The Department of Labor (DOL) is also proposing regulatory adjustments aimed at boosting efficiency and flexibility by removing outdated procedures related to migrant farmworker enforcement. The DOL’s strategy includes consolidating or eliminating duplicative standards, thus promoting a performance-based approach rather than prescriptive guidelines.

Despite the deregulatory focus, employers are advised against relaxing their safety efforts at this juncture. Instead, they should reassess their compliance programs and remain vigilant, especially in light of potential pushback at the state level in jurisdictions that uphold stronger occupational safety requirements.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Employers operating within the affected industries are strongly encouraged to engage in the public comment process and voice their concerns regarding these changes, particularly those related to the enforcement limitations of the General Duty Clause. The window for submitting feedback will close on September 2, 2025. The momentum of these regulatory changes signifies a transformative period for not only OSHA but for the industries it oversees, influencing the future of workplace safety across the nation.

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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