House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard Revocation
OSHA has finalized the revocation of the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard (29 CFR 1917), removing a specific fall protection requirement that applied to marine terminal operations. The final rule took effect on April 17, 2026. This action eliminates the dedicated fall prevention standard for house falls at marine terminals, though employers may still have general safety obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act's general duty clause.
Death Gratuity Information Collection Under Paperwork Reduction Act
The Department of Labor published a notice in the Federal Register (91 FR 20707) announcing the submission of an information collection request related to death gratuity to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice solicits public comments on this information collection, which pertains to benefits provided to survivors of federal employees or workers who die in certain circumstances. The comment period closes 31 days after the April 17, 2026 publication date.
Addendum to DOL-DOE MOU Transfers Safety Authority at Four Sites
OSHA published a notice of an addendum to the 1992 MOU with DOE, transferring occupational safety and health regulatory authority for privatized facilities at four DOE sites to OSHA. The addendum covers project parcels at Idaho National Laboratory Site, Hanford Site, Nevada National Security Site, and Savannah River Site. Private-sector energy entities operating on DOE-leased land will now fall under OSHA regulatory jurisdiction.
DOL Proposes Extending Black Lung Benefits Claim Form for Miners
The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) published a notice proposing to extend without change OMB Control No. 1240-0038, the information collection for Miner's Claim for Benefits Under the Black Lung Benefits Act and Employment History form. The notice opens a 60-day public comment period ending June 16, 2026. The form is used by coal miners to file claims for benefits due to pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for 37 Affected Areas in Mississippi
MDES announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for 36 Mississippi counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians following the February 6, 2026 major disaster declaration (DR-4899-MS). Individuals who live or work in affected areas and could not work because of the Severe Winter Storm that occurred January 23-27, 2026, may apply. The Disaster Assistance Period runs from January 25, 2026 through August 8, 2026. The deadline to apply is June 9, 2026.
Georgia Labor Force and Employment Hit Record Highs in February
The Georgia Department of Labor announced February 2026 labor force and employment statistics. Georgia's labor force reached an all-time high of 5,451,101, up 5,458 over the month and 39,493 over the year. Employment rose to a record 5,256,871, an increase of 3,940 monthly and 28,888 annually. The unemployment rate was 3.6%, up 0.2 percentage points from one year ago. The healthcare and social assistance sector reached an all-time high of 638,400 jobs.