Labor & Employment

PHRC Announces Resignation of Commission Chair Joel Bolstein

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announced the resignation of Chair Joel Bolstein, effective April 9, 2026, after 27 years of service including 7 years as chair since 2016. With Bolstein's departure, the commission will have six seated commissioners out of a possible eleven, raising the possibility of quorum insufficiency that could delay case hearings and pending guidance such as the Personal Care Assistant Accommodation guidance. The PHRC staff will continue investigating cases despite the leadership transition.

PHRC Recognizes Fair Housing Month with Statewide Events and Educational Initiatives

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announced its celebration of Fair Housing Month throughout April 2026, featuring a schedule of 11 events including training sessions, workshops, and the 2026 Housing Equality Conference. Events target housing professionals, advocates, and community members with topics covering fair housing rights, reasonable accommodations, and housing discrimination prevention under the Fair Housing Act and Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Longtime PHRC Commissioner Dr. Raquel Yiengst Resigns After 48 Years of Service

Dr. Raquel Yiengst, Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and Chair of the Education Equity Committee, resigned on April 14, 2026, following more than four decades of service to the Commonwealth. Appointed to the PHRC in 1978, Dr. Yiengst was one of the Commission's longest-serving members and received the PHRC Homer C. Floyd Award in 2019. With her departure, the PHRC will have five seated commissioners out of a possible eleven, creating potential quorum issues that could delay the advancement of specific guidance, case hearings, and justice delivery.

Illinois Awards $970,770 for Lake Michigan Shoreline Protection

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program has awarded $970,770 in grants to eight Illinois organizations for coastal education, recreation, water quality monitoring, planning, and engineering projects along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Recipients include the American Indian Center ($105,428.55), Chicago Park District ($30,079), Current Innovation Inc. ($173,376), Friends of the Forest Preserves ($155,769.32), Lake County Forest Preserve District ($84,037.92), Lake Forest Open Lands Association ($134,626.98), Navy Pier ($165,000), and OAI Inc. ($122,452.54). The program is a federal-state partnership between IDNR and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration providing federal funding to communities in the Illinois coastal region.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Departure Commemoration May 9-10

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites visitors to the sixth annual Point of Departure Commemoration at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois, on May 9-10, 2026, marking the 222nd anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition departure. The free event will feature military reenactors, historic artisans demonstrating candle making, leatherworking, tanning, gunsmithing, spinning, blacksmithing and woodworking, and a special Education Day on May 8 with over 550 students from nine school districts across Illinois and Missouri. The site, which interprets the Corps of Discovery's winter encampment from December 1803 to May 1804, is open daily during summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission Public Hearing - Chicago

The State of Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission will convene a public hearing on April 25, 2026, at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST. The hearing will address reparative justice for Black Illinoisans descended from American Slavery, centering on the Commission's 'Taking Account harms' report released in February 2026, which documents economic, social, mental, and physical harms across housing, education, health, public safety, and economic opportunity.

Spencer's Gifts Settles Disability Discrimination Case for $97,500

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) reached a $97,500 settlement with Spencer Gifts, LLC to resolve allegations of disability discrimination against a former employee at an Alameda County store. Without admitting liability, Spencer's agreed to train HR and supervisory staff statewide on California's reasonable accommodations process, update its medical device and accommodation policies to prohibit employee suspensions during request evaluations, and report to the state on future accommodation outcomes. The former employee was allegedly unlawfully suspended and told they could not return to work without medical documentation explaining their wheelchair use, despite already working in sales for approximately one month.

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity Settles Employment Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation for $255,000

The California Civil Rights Department has secured a $255,000 settlement with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) resolving allegations of employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against a former employee based on their Arab ancestry. The complaint alleged that after the employee wore a keffiyeh (traditional Arab scarf) to work, museum management selectively enforced a new 'political symbols' policy targeting only that item, then subjected the employee to escalating retaliation after they filed an internal discrimination complaint. As part of the settlement without admission of wrongdoing, MOSAC must rescind the policy, provide three years of civil rights training including anti-Arab racism education, update its complaint procedures, notify staff and board members of findings, issue a formal apology, and pay $255,000 in compensation for lost wages and damages.

CA vs Hate Hotline Receives 992 Reports of Hate in 2025

The California Civil Rights Department released 2025 data for its CA vs Hate hotline, reporting 992 hate-related contacts from callers across 46 counties, with roughly 70% of those reporters agreeing to follow-up services. Racial or ethnic bias was cited in 47% of reports, followed by gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation (19%), religion (18%), and disability status (9%), while verbal harassment was the most reported incident type at 68%.

R W Waste Limited Fined After Worker Suffers Bilateral Leg Amputations in Excavator Crush Incident

R W Waste Limited was prosecuted by HSE after a 24-year-old worker had both lower legs amputated when he was run over by a reversing 15-tonne excavator at the company's yard in Shedfield on 7 November 2023. The investigation found the company failed to protect pedestrians from moving vehicles. At Southampton Magistrates' Court on 16 April 2026, the court imposed a fine of £120,000 (reduced from £180,000 for the guilty plea), but as the company had gone into liquidation, it was ordered to pay a nominal £1.

Safe Work Australia Consultation on Options to Improve Quad Bike Safety in the Workplace

Safe Work Australia has opened a public consultation on regulatory and non-regulatory options to improve quad bike safety in Australian workplaces, seeking feedback until 11.59 pm AEST on Monday 1 June 2026. The consultation documents 245 quad bike fatalities in Australia since 2011, including 43 victims aged 19 or under, and proposes regulatory options including requiring operator protective devices (OPDs), mandating helmets, restricting passengers on type 1 quad bikes, and limiting use to persons aged 16 and over. Stakeholders including employers, WHS regulators, industry representatives, and members of the public are invited to submit feedback via the Safe Work Australia Consultation Hub or an online questionnaire.

Smiths Detection Inc. to Pay $100,000 to Settle Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

Smiths Detection Inc. has agreed to pay $100,000 to settle claims that it violated federal disability discrimination law, according to an EEOC news release. The settlement resolves allegations that the employer discriminated against an employee based on disability status. The consent decree requires the company to comply with federal anti-discrimination requirements going forward.

Laminate Technologies Inc. in Waco Earns Lone Star Safety Award

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) honored Laminate Technologies Inc. in Waco, Texas, with the Lone Star Safety Award for exceptional dedication to protecting its employees through a strong and proactive safety program. The company's 13 employees manufacture high-quality laminated cabinets used across a variety of industries. With this recognition, Laminate Technologies Inc. joins a select group of Texas businesses honored for exemplary safety performance and commitment to protecting workers' health.

PA Workers' Compensation Publications Index: Laws, Forms, Annual Reports

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Bureau of Workers' Compensation publishes a comprehensive index of workers' compensation publications including the Workers' Compensation Act, Part VIII Bureau Regulations, Chapter 111 procedural rules, and the Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act. The page lists form documents (LIBC-98, LIBC-100, LIBC-200, LIBC-733) and annual reports from 2019 through 2024, plus subscription-based newsletters News & Notes (Winter 2025-2026 and Fall 2025 editions) and resources covering WCAIS, EDI, fee schedules, and the Health & Safety Division.

Recent NY Workers' Comp Appellate Decisions

The NY Workers' Compensation Board published a listing of recent appellate decisions from the Appellate Division, Third Department and the Court of Appeals spanning December 2025 through April 2026. Cases cover topics including occupational disease, COVID-19-related claims, accident determinations, attorney fees, schedule loss of use, labor market attachment, and Workers' Compensation Law presumption issues. Notable Court of Appeals decisions address late payment penalties, Article 8-A applicability to death claims, and psychological injuries from COVID-19 exposure.

Washington Employers: Find and Fix Workplace Hazards

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has published guidance for all Washington employers on identifying and addressing workplace hazards as part of their legal obligation to provide a safe workplace. The document provides free safety and health consultants and practical tools including a self-paced interactive training module, hazard categorization worksheets, and a Job Hazard Analysis form. The guidance emphasizes a three-pronged approach to fixing hazards: changing what is used, changing how work is done, and changing the physical location to isolate workers from hazards.

Online Safety Training Materials Library

WA L&I's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) maintains a library of free online safety training materials organized by topic. The library covers over 20 subject areas including Abrasive Blasting, Accident Investigation, Asbestos, Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical Hazard Communication, Confined Spaces, Construction, Ergonomics, and Fall Protection. Each topic links to PowerPoint presentations or interactive e-learning modules. The page explicitly states these materials provide basic awareness education and may not meet training requirements specified in L&I rules, directing users to L&I training kits for rule-specified training.

Top 10 Safety Rule Violations, Washington State, Federal Fiscal Year 2025

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries published its annual Top 10 Safety Rule Violations report for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (October 2024 through September 2025), based on citations during L&I inspections. The report includes separate rankings for all industries, industries excluding construction, and industries excluding both construction and agriculture. Fall protection, accident prevention programs, safety committees, chemical hazard communication, PPE, and basic electrical rules appear across multiple industry categories.

Washington SHARP Workplace Safety Research Program Overview

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) publishes an overview of its SHARP (Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention) program, a workplace safety research and prevention initiative. SHARP conducts occupational health surveillance including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disease, hospitalizations, fatalities, lead exposure, trucking injuries, and heat-related illness tracking, operating under a cooperative agreement with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health since 2005. The program provides confidential research participation for employers and workers and is structurally independent from L&I's regulatory enforcement and workers' compensation functions.

State Workforce Investment Board Meeting, April 22, 2026, 1 p.m., Albany

The State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) will hold its next meeting on April 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The meeting will take place simultaneously in Albany, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Hicksville, with public attendance available in-person or via livestream. The SWIB oversees workforce development initiatives under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), with a mission to promote talent development, support a unified workforce system, and address the needs of both businesses and individuals.

100 Word Summary - Employee Benefits Regulation 1210-AC38

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) published a 100-word summary document under docket EBSA-2026-0166. The summary provides a concise overview of a regulatory action concerning employee benefit plans. Document identifier 1210-AC38 references an information collection or regulatory modification related to ERISA-covered retirement and welfare benefit plans. EBSA is responsible for administering Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

DOL Requests Comments on Death Gratuity Information Collection Under PRA

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting an Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) information collection request to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers Death Gratuity forms CA-40, CA-41, and CA-42 used to designate beneficiaries and process claims for federal employees who die from injuries in contingency operations. Public comments are invited through May 18, 2026. Estimated annual burden is 2 hours across 7 respondents with no cost burden.

Workforce Information Grants to States (WIGS) OMB Information Collection Review

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has submitted an information collection request to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act, seeking continuation of authorization for the Workforce Information Grants to States (WIGS) program (OMB Control No. 1205-0417). The collection supports WIOA requirements, including state economic analyses, workforce information studies, and annual performance reporting. Public comments are invited through May 20, 2026.

Kansas Labor Report February 2026 Released April 17th

The Kansas Department of Labor has released the February 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report is available on the KDOL website. The March 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 1, 2026.

PA DLI Awards $2.8M in Industry Partnership Grants to 10 Organizations

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced $2.8 million in Industry Partnership grants awarded to ten organizations across the Commonwealth on April 13, 2026. Recipients include regional workforce development boards and industry partnerships focused on healthcare, manufacturing, construction, education, energy, and life sciences sectors. Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal seeks an additional $3.5 million increase to bring total Industry Partnership funding to $6.3 million.

Shapiro Administration Celebrates 2026 Autism Awareness Walk and $1M OVR Budget Investment

The Shapiro Administration hosted the 2026 Autism Awareness & Acceptance Walk and Resource Fair at Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown, PA, welcoming more than 600 autism-support students and educators from 18 Pennsylvania schools and community groups. Governor Shapiro's proposed 2026-27 budget calls for a $1 million increase for L&I's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to expand vocational rehabilitation services and assistive technology for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, though this remains a budget proposal pending legislative approval.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2% in February 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released preliminary February 2026 employment data on April 17, 2026. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.2 percent, while the U.S. rate rose one-tenth to 4.4 percent over the same period. The civilian labor force was 6,588,000 with employment up 7,000 and unemployment down 2,000 from January; total nonfarm jobs were at 6,178,600, declining 19,000 over the month with gains in seven of 11 supersectors year-over-year.

Texas Adds 73,800 Jobs, Unemployment Steady at 4.3%

The Texas Workforce Commission released February 2026 employment data showing the state added 73,800 jobs over the year to reach 14,354,600 total nonfarm positions, with an annual growth rate of 0.5 percent outpacing the national rate by 0.4 percentage points. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 4.3 percent. Construction led all major industries with a 2.7 percent annual growth rate for the 19th consecutive month, while Professional and Business Services added 6,300 jobs over the month.

Abbott Awards $1.78M JET Grants to Six Texas Schools

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission announced six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,777,641 awarded to six schools in Southeast Texas. The grants will support career and technical education training programs, helping schools purchase equipment to initially train 410 students for high-demand occupations such as information security analysts, nurses, and welders.

Massachusetts February 2026 Unemployment Rate at 4.8%

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development released February 2026 employment data showing the state unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.8% from a revised 4.7% in January, while payroll jobs decreased by 7,200 following four consecutive months of job gains. The labor force participation rate also decreased to 66% from 66.2%. Nationally, BLS reported a decrease of 133,000 jobs with an unemployment rate of 4.4%. March data will be released May 1, 2026.

FedEx Pays $280,000 in Disability Discrimination Settlement

The EEOC announced that FedEx agreed to pay $280,000 to resolve a disability discrimination lawsuit. The settlement also includes other relief as part of the resolution. This enforcement action demonstrates the Commission's continued focus on ADA compliance in the workplace.

Justice Department Secures Settlement in First VAWA Housing Rights Enforcement Action

The Justice Department announced the settlement of United States v. David Montanus and Lisa Montanus, the first lawsuit filed by the Civil Rights Division to enforce the Housing Rights Subpart of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (34 U.S.C. § 12495). The settlement requires the Defendants to pay $25,000 to compensate the complainant and her minor children, comply with VAWA, and prohibits adverse credit reports regarding the complainant's tenancy. If the Defendants acquire rental properties during the three-year term, they must report those acquisitions and undergo VAWA training.

Colorado Launches Survey for Workers Aged 50 Plus

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), in partnership with Workforce Colorado, iAging, and other workforce organizations, has launched a comprehensive survey targeting workers and job seekers aged 50 and older. The survey aims to gather insights on work experiences, job transitions, and career changes to evaluate how well current policies and programs support older workers. According to CDLE's Office of Labor Market Information, approximately 674,800 workers aged 55 and older are actively working or seeking work in Colorado, with an additional 27,500 not actively searching but wanting a job, representing a potential untapped talent pool of roughly 48,600 workers.

NYS Private Sector Employment Down 18,600 Jobs in February 2026

The New York State Department of Labor reported on April 16, 2026, that private sector employment in New York State decreased by 18,600 jobs in February 2026. This statistical release provides monthly employment data for the state's private sector without additional analysis or policy context. No specific industry breakdowns, geographic distribution details, or comparative period figures are included in this announcement.

Tennessee Starts 2026 With Lower Unemployment at 3.5%

Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2026 was 3.5%, down one-tenth of a percentage point from December 2025 and matching the rate from a year prior. The state continues to outperform the national unemployment rate of 4.3% for the same period. Over the past year, Tennessee employers added 5,900 nonfarm jobs, with the largest increases in health care and social assistance, state government, and arts, entertainment, and recreation. Total nonfarm employment increased by 7,200 jobs over the month, driven by gains in private education and health services, professional and business services, and financial activities.

TOSHA Investigation Concluded: $3,133,900 Penalty for AES Explosion, 16 Deaths

TOSHA concluded its largest-ever investigation into the October 10, 2025 explosion at the AES munitions facility near Bucksnort, Tennessee, which killed 16 workers. The agency assessed $3,133,900 in total penalties: $3,000,000 for 59 willful violations, $93,300 for 32 serious violations, $39,200 for 4 repeat-serious violations, and $1,400 for 5 other-than-serious violations. The previous-largest TOSHA penalty was nearly $380,000. Affected employers in munitions and explosives manufacturing should review their safety protocols and internal controls to identify and address any conditions that could result in willful citations under the TOSH Act.

84 Tennessee Counties Below 5% Unemployment, Williamson Lowest at 2.7%

Eighty-four of Tennessee's 95 counties recorded unemployment rates below 5% in January 2026. Williamson County reported the state's lowest unemployment rate at 2.7%, while Perry County had the highest at 11.3%. Tennessee's statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5%, eight-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.3%.

Tennessee Unemployment 3.6%, Remains Below U.S. 4.4%

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported that Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2026, remaining eight-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.4%. The state rate increased slightly from both the prior month and one year ago when it was 3.5%, while the national rate rose one-tenth from January and two-tenths from the prior year. Over the past year, total nonfarm employment in Tennessee decreased by 6,400 jobs, with the largest declines in trade, transportation, and utilities, followed by manufacturing and federal government. Between January and February, total nonfarm employment decreased by 9,200 jobs, with the biggest losses in private education and health services, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities, and leisure and hospitality. County-level unemployment data for all 95 Tennessee counties will be released on April 23, 2026.

Nevada January 2026 Jobs Report: Unemployment 5.3%, Nonfarm Jobs 1.602M

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.3% in January 2026, up 0.1 percentage points from December 2025, while the labor force grew by 7,130 individuals to 1,694,147. The state added 2,000 nonfarm jobs since December, bringing total nonfarm employment to 1,602,000, a 1.9% increase year-over-year representing 30,200 added jobs. Annual benchmark revisions incorporated 28,600 more jobs than the prior estimate for December 2025, contrasting with a national downward revision of 862,000 jobs, and Las Vegas MSA led growth with 21,600 jobs added year-over-year.

EmployNV Hiring Events Southern Nevada April 10-24

EmployNV, Nevada's public workforce brand administered through DETR and local workforce development boards, announces a series of five hiring events in Southern Nevada from April 10–24, 2026. Events include InTouchCX customer service hiring (April 14, $15/hr + $300 bonus), MasterCorp housekeeping (April 15, up to $20/hr), MasterBrand Cabinets production roles (April 15, $19–$26/hr), Aries Family Care personal care assistants (April 21, $16–$17.50/hr), and Everoc production/packing roles (April 23). Pre-registration is encouraged; walk-ins are welcome at the EmployNV Career Hub in Las Vegas and at MasterBrand's North Las Vegas facility.

Nevada Unemployment 5.3%, Up 0.1pp from December

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.3% in January 2026, up 0.1 percentage points from December 2025. The Las Vegas MSA saw the largest month-over-month increase among the three metropolitan statistical areas, rising 0.6pp to 5.8%, while Reno increased 0.7pp to 4.7% and Carson City rose 0.6pp to 4.6%. County-level data shows all 17 Nevada counties experienced unemployment increases, with Esmeralda County posting the largest gain at 2.4pp.

Nevada February 2026 Employment Report Unemployment Steady 5.3%

Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.3 percent in February 2026 compared to January, while the labor force expanded by 3,829 individuals to 1,698,029 total participants. The state added 1,500 nonfarm jobs month-over-month and 34,500 jobs year-over-year, representing 2.2 percent annual growth. Leisure and Hospitality led gains with 1,600 new positions, offsetting declines in Professional and Business Services (-600) and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-400).

EmployNV Hub Grand Opening in Fernley, Nevada

EmployNV announces the grand opening of its newest workforce hub in Fernley, Nevada, set for Friday, April 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at 1320 W Newlands Dr. The hub is a partnership between DETR and Nevadaworks, the workforce development board for northern Nevada, and will provide free services including job search assistance, skills training, employer support, and career counseling to job seekers, businesses, and community partners in the region.

NJ Payrolls Decline 10,300 Jobs, Unemployment Falls to 5.1%

New Jersey payrolls decreased by 10,300 jobs in February 2026, bringing the seasonally adjusted employment level to 4,373,700 jobs. The state's unemployment rate declined 0.1 percentage point to 5.1 percent from January. Three of nine private industry sectors recorded employment gains, with leisure and hospitality (+1,800), private education and health services (+1,200), and other services (+1,000) posting increases, while construction saw the largest loss at -5,900. Over the past 12 months, total private employment added 900 jobs, driven by education and health services (+28,400) and leisure and hospitality (+300).

OSHA Cites Breland Homes Inc. with 8 Serious Violations, $115,855 Penalties After Worker Fatality

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Breland Homes Inc., a Huntsville, Alabama home builder, with eight serious safety violations and proposed $115,855 in penalties following an investigation into a worker fatality in December 2025. Investigators found that workers were installing a sewage drainpipe in a Madison County subdivision when a trench collapsed on a construction laborer, and that the employer had allowed the decedent to work in an unprotected and unsupported trench section. Beyond the fatal incident, OSHA documented additional violations including failure to train workers on unsafe trenching conditions, missing protective helmets, and use of a damaged ladder. The company has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

University of Tennessee Recovers $30,442 for FMLA Violation

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $30,442 in back wages for a former University of Tennessee auditor who was forced to resign after requesting protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Investigators found the university told the employee they needed to resign or be fired while on approved intermittent FMLA leave for a qualifying health condition. The DOL emphasized that federal law protects workers' leave rights and employers cannot force employees to choose between their jobs and caring for themselves or their families.

Breland Homes Cited 8 Serious Violations After Construction Worker Fatality

OSHA completed an investigation into a December 2025 fatal trench collapse at a Madison County, Alabama construction site and cited Breland Homes Inc. with eight serious safety violations. The agency found the employer exposed workers to multiple hazards including allowing the decedent to work in an unprotected, unsupported trench section, failure to train workers on trenching hazard recognition, and permitting work without protective helmets and using damaged equipment. OSHA proposed $115,855 in penalties. Breland Homes has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference, or contest before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Information Collection Request - OMB Review

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act for renewal of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program forms. The ICR covers seven forms used by state, local, and tribal governments to process WOTC certifications for employers hiring individuals from target groups facing employment barriers. Public comments are invited through May 18, 2026.

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.

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.