Labor & Employment

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.

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 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians following the January 23-27, 2026 Severe Winter Storm (Disaster Declaration DR-4899-MS). Individuals who live or work in affected areas and cannot work due to major destruction from the storm may apply for unemployment benefits through the Disaster Assistance Period ending August 8, 2026. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Georgia Labor Force and Employment Hit Record Highs in February

Georgia's labor force reached an all-time high of 5,451,101 in February 2026, an increase of 5,458 over the month and 39,493 over the past year. Employment also hit a record 5,256,871, up 3,940 from January and 28,888 year-over-year, while the unemployment rate stood at 3.6%. Initial claims for unemployment fell to 16,551 in February, the fewest since November 2025.

May 6 Statewide Virtual Job Fair, 1 to 3:30 p.m

WorkForce West Virginia announced the next event in its ongoing Statewide Virtual Job Fair series, scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. The series has recorded 37,128 registered job seekers, 5,193 registered employers, and 17,999 available job openings since inception three years ago. Both employers and job seekers must register in advance to participate in the virtual event.

Oklahoma Workers' Memorial Day Vigil Set for April 21, 2026

The Oklahoma Department of Labor, in partnership with labor organizations and safety councils across the state, will host the 2026 Oklahoma Workers' Memorial Day Vigil on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the OKANA Resort & Conference Center in Oklahoma City. The annual event honors Oklahoma workers who lost their lives on the job between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, and renews commitment to workplace safety. The vigil is open to the public and provides an opportunity for families, coworkers, safety professionals, and community members to commemorate those who died and recognize ongoing prevention efforts.

Safety Standards Division Announces Three 2026 Industry Summits in April

The Oklahoma Department of Labor's Safety Standards Division has announced three industry summits to be held in April 2026 at the ODOL Office in Oklahoma City. The Elevator & Escalator Summit takes place on April 2, the Amusement Ride Summit on April 14, and the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Summit on April 15, each running from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration links are provided for each summit.

IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center at 20th Annual Iowa Employment Conference

Iowa Workforce Development announced that the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center will appear at the 20th Annual Iowa Employment Conference on April 8–9, 2026, at The Meadows Events & Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa. The mobile center will provide workforce services including recruiting, hiring events, upskilling resources, and labor market information to employers and job seekers. Business Engagement Consultants will also be available to assist with talent recruiting, tax credits, and training options.

Wisconsin February 2026 Employment Numbers; Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.4%

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released February 2026 preliminary employment estimates showing 3,019,300 people employed in the state, up 1,500 over the month but down 11,900 over the year. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.4%, which is 1.0 percentage point below the national rate of 4.4%. Total nonfarm jobs were 3,019,900, a decrease of 10,500 over the prior month, while labor force participation rose to 64.4%.

State Seeks Public Comments on Workforce Development Plan Modification

The Maine Department of Labor and the State Workforce Development Board posted the 2024-2027 Unified State Plan Modification for public comment on April 16, 2026. Comments will be accepted from April 20 through April 24, 2026, via an online form, email at DOL@maine.gov, or traditional mail. The Unified State Plan Modification is required under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and outlines strategies for Maine's workforce development system, with WIOA core partners receiving approximately $55 million in federal, state, and other funding.

Illinois Removes DEI Criteria from Loan Repayment Program After DOJ Review

The Department of Justice announced the closure of a compliance review of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The review examined a provision requiring ISAC to set aside at least 30% of funding in the Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program for applicants of specific racial and ethnic origins. After the DOJ notified ISAC of the compliance review, Illinois voluntarily removed the DEI criteria from the Program and other programs administered by ISAC. The DOJ has now closed the review without imposing penalties.

DOJ Settles Antisemitism Case with Concord-Carlisle Massachusetts School District

The Justice Department and the Concord-Carlisle, Massachusetts School District entered into a voluntary settlement agreement resolving the Department's investigation under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The investigation, opened in March 2025, examined complaints of antisemitic harassment of Jewish students by their peers at the district's high school and middle school between 2023 and 2025. The settlement requires the district to review and revise its harassment policies, respond promptly to incidents, protect complainants from retaliation, conduct comprehensive investigations, develop safety and support plans for victims, designate a compliance overseer, and provide additional staff and student training.

Federal Jury Convicts Louisiana Deputy U.S. Marshal of Civil Rights and Obstruction of Justice

A federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana convicted Deputy United States Marshal Joshua Firmin on April 15, 2026, of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice for assaulting a restrained prisoner on February 9, 2024, and then filing a false incident report. The evidence established that Firmin struck the victim in the face with a ring of cell keys and forcefully shoved him into a cellblock wall while the victim was handcuffed, belted, and leg-ironed, causing a scalp injury requiring staples. Firmin was prosecuted by the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section and the Eastern District of Louisiana.

BA Mobile Fleet Services Limited Fined £30,000 After Worker Amputation in HGV Trailer

BA Mobile Fleet Services Limited of Redditch, Worcestershire, was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £4,325 costs at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on 15 April 2026 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. The sentencing follows an incident on 14 December 2023 in which a then-33-year-old male worker sustained life-changing leg injuries including the amputation of his left foot and lower leg when a one-tonne concrete block fell on him inside an HGV box trailer being loaded with forklift trucks. An HSE investigation found the company failed to segregate workers from moving vehicles on site and had not trained or authorised the forklift truck driver involved.

SCA General Contracting Fined $468,505 for FLSA Violations

The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California approved a consent judgment on Dec. 17, 2025 ordering SCA General Contracting Inc. and operators Sundeep Pandhoh and Gary Tetone to pay $468,505 in back wages and damages to 137 construction workers denied minimum wage and overtime pay. The DOL Wage and Hour Division investigation found the employers repeatedly missed payroll, failed to pay minimum wage, did not pay overtime for hours over 40 in a workweek, and retaliated against employees who complained about missing pay from Nov. 1, 2024 through Nov. 30, 2025. The judgment also requires reinstatement of an employee terminated for complaining about pay.

Kkoki Korean BBQ Fined $96,985 for Child Labor, Overtime, Tip Pool Violations

A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found Kkoki Korean BBQ in Eugene, Oregon violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing a 15-year-old employee to work more than three hours on school days, past 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day, and more than 40 hours in a workweek. The employer also failed to provide overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek and permitted a restaurant manager to unlawfully participate in the employee tip pool. The investigation resulted in recovery of $58,569 in back wages for 32 workers, along with $38,416 in civil money penalties for repeated and willful violations.

OSHA Expands Maritime Safety Inspection Program to Puerto Rico and USVI

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has expanded its maritime safety Local Emphasis Program to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, effective March 2, 2026, following increased workplace safety concerns in maritime industries. The five-year inspection initiative targets shipbuilding and repair, boat building, marine cargo handling, port and harbor operations, and marinas conducting recreational boat repair operating on or adjacent to U.S. navigable waterways. Free on-site consultation services are available through the Puerto Rico OSHA Consultation Program and the U.S. Virgin Islands Safety in Paradise OSHA On-site Consultation Program to help employers identify hazards and improve safety programs.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Information Collection OMB Review Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The ICR covers the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from target groups facing employment barriers. The notice includes seven program forms and requests public comments on the collection burden estimates.

DWP Benefits Statistics, Release 18th Aug

The DWP has announced the release of official benefits statistics scheduled for 18 August 2026 at 9:30am. This is a routine statistical publication from the Department for Work and Pensions providing data on UK welfare benefits. No compliance obligations are created by this announcement.

Benefit Sanctions Statistics to February 2027

DWP announces the upcoming release of benefit sanctions statistics covering Universal Credit data through February 2027. The statistics are scheduled for publication in May 2027 on a provisional basis. Data will be available for analysis through the Stat-Xplore platform as usual.

Pension Credit Applications and Awards: May 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions announced the release of updated Pension Credit statistics covering the period 1 April 2023 to 5 April 2026. The statistics cover application volumes, awards made, and outstanding caseload figures. These official statistics will be published on 28 May 2026 at 9:30am.

UIA Adds Daily Seminars for MiUI Account Activation

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is expanding seminar offerings to support employers and third-party administrators transitioning from the legacy Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) platform to the new MiUI system. Daily 10 a.m. account activation sessions and weekly wage reporting seminars are now available through UIA's coaching appointments. The Monday, April 27, 2026 deadline for submitting quarterly wage reports through MiUI is highlighted as a key upcoming compliance milestone for affected employers.

Workforce Diploma Pilot Program Funding Opportunity

The Texas Workforce Commission announced a funding opportunity for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program, designed to create new career pathways for adult learners who have not completed high school. The program connects adults with education providers offering academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Applications must be submitted by May 5, 2026, through the Texas SmartBuy portal, and eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity, with at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services.

Ling Developments Fined £15,858 for Repeated Welfare Facility Failures

Ling Developments Limited was fined £15,858 and ordered to pay £3,858 in costs at Birmingham Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to repeated breaches of Regulation 13(4)(c) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The West Midlands-based construction company failed to provide adequate welfare facilities—including hot water and suitable rest facilities—at four different construction sites across the region. These failures continued despite HSE enforcement action and advice on three previous occasions, demonstrating persistent non-compliance with legal obligations.

Wages Claim Dismissed - Complainant Failed to Attend WRC Hearing

The WRC Adjudication Officer dismissed a wages and holiday pay claim (ADJ-00062434) filed by David O'Brien against Corbally Plant Hire Limited after the Complainant failed to attend the scheduled hearing. The Respondent provided bank transfer records confirming that the full claimed amount of €1,175.33 was paid to the Complainant on 15 October 2025. The WRC had informed the Complainant by letter dated 14 November 2025 that payment had been documented and offered the option to withdraw, but the Complainant did not respond or attend the 4 March 2026 hearing. The Adjudication Officer found the complaint not well founded and vexatious due to non-attendance. For employers and employees, this case illustrates that WRC proceedings require active participation — failure to attend a hearing, even where a claim may have underlying merit, can result in dismissal as vexatious.

Oregon Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 5.2% in February 2026

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in February 2026, unchanged from January, while the U.S. rate was 4.4%. The state lost 5,400 nonfarm payroll jobs in February following a revised gain of 1,600 jobs in January. Job losses were concentrated in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,600), leisure and hospitality (-1,500), and professional and business services (-1,300), while financial activities added 800 jobs. Professional and business services has cut 8,700 jobs, or 3.4%, over the trailing 12 months. The next statewide unemployment data release is scheduled for May 1, 2026.

DOL, OSHA Host National Workers Memorial Ceremony and Vigil, April 23

The U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA will host the national Workers Memorial program on April 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. EDT at DOL headquarters in Washington, D.C., featuring a ceremony honoring fallen workers and a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The event commemorates workers who lost their lives on the job and includes a week of safety trainings, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits from April 20-24. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer will speak, and the featured story involves Angel Luis Rivera of Orlando, Florida, who was fatally injured in 2023 after falling less than six feet while working on a generator exhaust system.

NJDOL Halts Work by Artur Alves Excavating for Wage Theft, Labor Violations at Two Public Works Projects

NJDOL's Division of Wage and Hour Compliance issued two stop-work orders against Artur Alves Excavating Inc. of Franklin Township on April 8, 2026, for wage theft and multiple labor law violations at public works projects. Stop-Work Order #1 covers The College of New Jersey, Forcina Hall, affecting 6 workers with violations including failure to keep accurate certified payrolls and falsified certificates. Stop-Work Order #2 covers Cranford Public Library, affecting 12 workers with additional violations including failure to pay prevailing wage, unpaid wages, and Earned Sick Leave violations. The employer has requested a hearing. NJDOL may assess civil penalties of $5,000 per day against employers conducting business in violation of a stop-work order.

Miner's Claim Benefits Under BLBA

The Workers Compensation Programs Office posted a document titled 'Miner's Claim Benefits Under BLBA' on April 14, 2025. This document relates to a miner's claim for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA), which provides compensation to coal miners disabled by pneumoconiosis (black lung disease).

2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work: Psychosocial Hazards Focus

Safe Work Australia is promoting the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed on 28 April 2026, with the International Labour Organization's theme focusing on psychosocial hazards in the workplace. The campaign provides downloadable co-brandable resources including posters, desktop wallpapers, social media tiles, and animated content to help employers and workers recognise and address psychosocial risks such as job demands, bullying, harassment, and workplace violence. Safe Work Australia emphasises that, like physical, chemical, and biological hazards, psychosocial hazards must be identified, addressed, and effectively managed to maintain safe and healthy workplaces.

ADT LLC Settles SCRA Violations for $1.3M to Servicemembers

ADT LLC, the nation's largest home security services company, has agreed to pay $1,260,000 in compensation to approximately 3,400 affected servicemembers, plus a $79,380 civil penalty (the maximum for a first SCRA violation), to resolve DOJ allegations that it imposed unlawful 30-day notice requirements on servicemembers terminating contracts after receiving military relocation orders. Under the settlement, ADT must also implement policy and training changes to prevent future violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division, through its Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys' Offices nationwide, has obtained over $488 million in monetary relief for 152,000 servicemembers since 2011 through SCRA enforcement.

TÜV SÜD America NRTL Scope Expansion, Comments Due April 29

OSHA announces TÜV SÜD America, Inc. (TUVAM) application for expansion of its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) scope of recognition to include one additional test site. The agency presents its preliminary finding to grant the expansion and seeks public comments on the application. Comments are due April 29, 2026.

TUV SUD America OSHA Recognition Expansion

OSHA is seeking public comments on expanding the OSHA recognition of TUV SUD America as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). TUV SUD America is seeking to add additional test standards to its existing OSHA recognition. Interested parties may submit comments on whether the expansion should be approved. The comment deadline is April 29.

TÜV SÜD America Inc. Application for Expansion of NRTL Recognition

OSHA published notice that TÜV SÜD America Inc. has applied to expand its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) recognition. The application covers expansion of the scope of products the laboratory is authorized to test and certify. Public comments on the application are invited within 15 days of the notice.

Hillcrest Medical Center Violated PUMP Act, Limited Nursing Breaks

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division concluded that Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, operating as Ardent Health Services +, violated the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act by limiting break times for expressing milk to specified times and only when sufficient staffing was available. The investigation found that nursing workers were not permitted to take breaks as needed to express milk for one year after their child's birth. Following the investigation, Hillcrest Medical Center updated its policies and practices to comply with federal law.

OSHA Partners with Mascaro Construction for Worker Safety During Heinz History Center Expansion

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has signed a strategic partnership with Mascaro Construction Co. to promote worker safety and health during the expansion of the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. The partnership between OSHA's Pittsburgh Area Office and the construction company seeks to prevent work-related injuries, control and eliminate serious workplace hazards, and establish a foundation for an effective safety and health program. The 92,000-square-foot expansion is estimated to conclude by May 2028.

Workers' Memorial Day Events Across Australia, 28 April

Safe Work Australia is promoting Workers' Memorial Day events to be held on 28 April 2026 across major cities in Australia, inviting workers and employers to attend memorial ceremonies. The notice references Safe Work Australia data showing approximately 200 workplace fatalities annually, alongside additional deaths from work-related diseases, and encourages attendance as a reminder that every workplace death is preventable.

Revises Minor Child Definition From Under 21 to Under 18 Years of Age for Form LM-30

The Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards has issued a final rule amending the definition of "minor child" in 29 CFR 404.1(h) and on Form LM-30 from "under 21 years of age" to "under 18 years of age." This change aligns the definition with the age of majority recognized in most U.S. jurisdictions and reduces reporting burden on labor organization officers and employees required to file Form LM-30 financial disclosure reports. The rule is effective April 22, 2026, and applies to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

Heat Spike Alert: Commissioner Farley Urges Heat Safety as Temperatures Rise Into 90s

The NC Department of Labor, under Commissioner Luke Farley, issued a heat safety advisory on April 13, 2026, urging workers in outdoor industries and non-climate-controlled indoor environments to take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses as temperatures across North Carolina rise into the 90s. The advisory emphasizes three key prevention strategies: rest, water, and shade, and targets workers in construction, agriculture, landscaping, and similar hot-environment occupations.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $14.4M for Youth Jobs and Launches YES Initiative

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $14.4 million in YouthWorks grants to fund 3,786 youth and young adults for summer and year-round jobs across Massachusetts. The administration simultaneously launched the Youth Employment and Skills (YES) Initiative, an umbrella program designed to connect employers with youth employment and skills development opportunities statewide. The 16 MassHire regional workforce boards will administer the grants for summer 2026 and school year 2027, with participants receiving job readiness training, mentorship, and work placements spanning camp counseling to IT and communications.

Republic Services to Pay $200,000 in Settlement of Sex Discrimination Lawsuit

Republic Services has agreed to pay $200,000 and provide specified relief to settle a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC. The EEOC found that the company failed to provide reasonable accommodation to pregnant employees and improperly required them to transfer to lower-paying positions. The settlement, filed in federal court in New Mexico, includes no admission of wrongdoing by Republic Services.

Colorado Awards $100,000 Grant to Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation

Colorado's Office of Just Transition (OJT) within CDLE, in partnership with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation. The funds will support the organization's acquisition of the historic Hartman Castle property in Gunnison, Colorado, which was recently listed among Colorado's 'Most Endangered Places.' The project aims to transform the late-1800s castle into a community gathering space, event venue, and heritage tourism destination, as part of broader state efforts to support coal-transition communities.

Whelan v. Getfood Limited - Unpaid Wages, Constructive Dismissal Award

Paul Whelan filed three complaints with the WRC against Getfood Limited for unpaid wages of €20,124 gross, constructive dismissal, and six days of outstanding holiday entitlements. The Adjudication Officer, Máire Mulcahy, conducted a remote hearing on 24 June 2025 and found in the complainant's favour on all three complaints. The respondent did not attend the hearing despite being notified. The case illustrates the WRC's enforcement of the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, and Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 against non-compliant employers.

Workers' Memorial Ceremony Announced for April 17, 2026 in Little Rock

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing announced a Workers' Memorial Ceremony on April 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 900 W. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201, 3rd Floor Meeting Room. The ceremony commemorates workers who died due to workplace injuries. An agenda is available via the provided link.

MM Flowers Limited Fined £134,000 After Employee Leg Amputation

MM Flowers Limited was fined £134,000 at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on 10 April 2026 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The prosecution follows an incident on 4 February 2023 at the company's facility in Alconbury Weald, where employee Andy Hazelden sustained a through-knee leg amputation after being struck by moving cargo on a roller deck with an unprotected 10cm gap. HSE investigation found the company failed to implement safe systems of work for manual unloading of aircraft skids.

Generic Clearance Qualitative Feedback Collection Renewal OMB Control No. 3124-0015

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) seeks a three-year renewal without change of its Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery, OMB Control No. 3124-0015, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection, which facilitates collection of customer and stakeholder feedback on service delivery, is currently set to expire on August 31, 2026. MSPB is soliciting public comments on this renewal, allowing 60 days for input before submission to the Office of Management and Budget.

Eight New Jersey Businesses Added to Workplace Accountability List for Wage and Tax Violations

NJDOL added eight new businesses to The WALL (Workplace Accountability in Labor List) in April 2026 for outstanding liabilities under New Jersey wage, benefit, and tax laws. The eight businesses collectively owe $758,715.68 in unpaid contributions, penalties, and interest to the Unemployment Compensation Fund and State Disability Benefits Fund. One business was removed from the list, bringing the total to 364 employers who collectively owe $32.9 million. Businesses on The WALL are barred from public contracting with state, county, or local governments until they resolve their outstanding liabilities in full.

Arkansas Real Estate Commission Proposes Rule Amendments Incorporating 2025 Acts 392, 559, and 835

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) of the Department of Labor and Licensing has published a proposed rulemaking notice to amend its administrative rules to incorporate changes required by Acts 392, 559, and 835 of the 2025 Arkansas legislative session. The AREC is accepting written public comments through May 11, 2026, and will hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the AREC Hearing Room, 612 South Summit, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.

NY DOL Headquarters Renamed Frances Perkins Building, Marks 125th Anniversary

The New York State Department of Labor headquarters in Albany has been officially renamed the Frances Perkins Building via Executive Order signed by Governor Hochul on April 10, 2026. The renaming coincides with the Department's 125th anniversary and honors Frances Perkins, who served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945 as the first woman in a U.S. Cabinet position. Perkins was instrumental in shaping the Social Security Act and Fair Labor Standards Act.

COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard 1910.502

OSHA's COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard (29 CFR 1910.502) establishes occupational safety requirements for healthcare settings, covering all settings where any employee provides healthcare services or healthcare support services. The standard defines key terms including aerosol-generating procedures (open suctioning, sputum induction, CPR, intubation, bronchoscopy, certain dental procedures), airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs), close contact (within 6 feet for 15+ minutes over 24 hours), and COVID-19 symptoms. It includes scope exemptions for first aid by non-licensed providers, retail pharmacy prescription dispensing, screened ambulatory settings without suspected COVID-19 patients, and fully vaccinated employee settings meeting screening requirements.