OSHA

Labor Department: Union Pacific Railroad wrongly terminated employee

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA found Union Pacific Railroad violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act by terminating an employee after they reported a work-related injury. OSHA ordered the company to reinstate the employee and pay over $315,000 in damages.

OSHA Guidance on Recordability of Lithium-Ion Battery Injuries

OSHA issued guidance clarifying that workplace injuries resulting from employees improperly carrying personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (e.g., in e-cigarettes) are considered work-related and must be recorded under OSHA's recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR Part 1904). The guidance addresses a specific scenario involving unprotected batteries sparking in a pocket.

OSHA Interim Enforcement Guidance on Handrail and Stair Rail Systems

OSHA has issued interim enforcement guidance regarding handrail and stair rail system requirements under 29 CFR 1910.28(b) and 1910.29(f). This guidance provides a temporary compliance path for employers until a final rule is issued, addressing a formatting error in Table D-2 of the 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces final rule.

OSHA Clarifies Lead Contamination on Surfaces

OSHA has issued a clarification regarding the interpretation of "as free as practicable" for lead contamination on surfaces in its lead standard for construction. This guidance addresses employer responsibilities for maintaining clean work areas and lunchroom facilities to minimize lead exposure.

OSHA Interpretation on Respirator Medical Evaluations

OSHA has issued an interpretation clarifying its Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR § 1910.134) regarding medical evaluations for respirator use. This interpretation addresses the extent of information employers must provide to healthcare professionals and the scope of the PLHCP's evaluation concerning an employee's ability to perform job tasks safely while using a respirator.

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Corrections

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published corrections to the Hazard Communication Standard. This rule corrects a document that was previously published on January 8, 2026.