Labor & Employment

OSHA Permit-Required Confined Spaces Safety Standard

OSHA Permit-Required Confined Spaces Safety Standard

OSHA Lead Exposure Standard 29 CFR 1926.62 for Construction

OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.62 establishes permissible exposure limits (PEL) and mandatory workplace safety requirements for construction workers occupationally exposed to lead. The PEL is set at 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), with an action level of 30 µg/m³. The standard applies to all construction work including demolition, renovation, painting, and lead-related emergency cleanup, and requires employers to conduct exposure monitoring, implement respiratory protection, and provide medical surveillance for affected employees.

Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries Standard (29 CFR 1904)

OSHA presents the complete regulatory structure of 29 CFR Part 1904, governing employer obligations to record and report work-related injuries and illnesses. The standard covers recording criteria, forms (OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301), electronic submission requirements, and exemptions for small employers. Establishments with 20–249 employees in designated industries must submit Form 300A annually, while those with 100 or more employees in designated industries must submit both Forms 300 and 301.

OSHA 1910.1025 Lead Exposure Standard

OSHA 1910.1025 establishes a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average for occupational lead exposure, with an Action Level of 30 µg/m³ triggering specific monitoring and control requirements. The standard applies to all industries except construction (covered by 29 CFR 1928) and agricultural operations. Employers must conduct initial exposure monitoring when employees may be exposed at or above the Action Level, notify employees of monitoring results within 15 working days, and repeat monitoring at specified frequencies based on exposure levels.

OSHA Standard 1910.333 - Selection and Use of Work Practices for Electrical Safety

OSHA Standard 1910.333 establishes binding requirements for employers to employ safety-related work practices when employees perform work on or near electrical equipment or circuits. The standard requires deenergization of live parts before work begins unless the employer demonstrates that deenergizing would introduce additional hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. When working on deenergized parts, the standard mandates lockout and tagging procedures including written procedures, circuit disconnection, stored energy release, lock/tag application, and verification of deenergized condition before work commences.

1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure Standard

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 governs occupational noise exposure in general industry, establishing permissible exposure limits ranging from 90 dBA for 8 hours down to 115 dBA for 15 minutes or less per day. The standard mandates a hearing conservation program when employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels (the action level), including feasibility-based engineering or administrative controls, mandatory hearing protector use if controls fail, and no-cost audiometric testing. Employers must also monitor noise levels, notify affected employees of results, and provide observation opportunities for monitoring activities.

Asbestos Regulations for Construction Work, 29 CFR 1926.1101

OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.1101 establishes comprehensive asbestos exposure requirements for construction work, covering demolition, renovation, repair, and maintenance operations. The standard defines four asbestos work classifications (Class I through Class IV) with progressively lower risk levels, sets permissible exposure limits, and mandates engineering controls, respiratory protection, and medical surveillance for affected workers. Appendices A through K provide detailed technical specifications including air sampling methods, controlled debris removal, and disposal procedures.

Control of Hazardous Energy Lockout/Tagout Standard 29 CFR 1910.147

OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1910.147 establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment. The rule covers authorized employees who must affix lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices to prevent unexpected energization, start-up, or release of stored energy that could cause injury. The standard applies to all employers whose employees perform servicing or maintenance on machines where such hazards exist, and requires documented procedures and training.

Fall Protection Systems and Falling Object Protection - 29 CFR 1910.29

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29 establishes performance criteria for fall protection systems and falling object protection in general industry workplaces. The standard specifies requirements for guardrail systems including a 42-inch (107 cm) top rail height with 3-inch tolerance, 200-pound (890 N) force resistance, 19-inch maximum spacing for intermediate members, and 150-pound (667 N) resistance for midrails. Employers must provide and install all required fall protection before employees begin work that necessitates such protection. The rule also covers safety net systems, designated areas with warning lines, and hole covers with specific installation requirements.

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.

OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat Hazards

OSHA revised its National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards on April 10, 2026, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data from calendar years 2022-2025 to direct inspection priorities to 55 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor work settings. The updated program removes outdated background information, updates links, eliminates the former numerical inspection goal, and introduces two reorganized appendices for evaluating heat programs and citation guidance. The revised program is effective immediately and will remain in place for five years.

OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, Targets 55 High-Risk Industries

OSHA has updated its National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards, originally issued in April 2022, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data from calendar years 2022-2025 to direct inspection priorities to 55 high-risk industries. The revised program removes outdated background information, eliminates the former numerical inspection goal, and introduces two reorganized appendices for evaluating heat programs and citation guidance. The program is effective immediately and will remain in place for five years.

USERRA and Veterans' Preference Eligibility Information Collection Request

The Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers complaints under USERRA (38 U.S.C. 4322) for reemployment rights violations and the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) of 1998 (5 U.S.C. 3330a-3330b) for veterans' preference law violations. Public comments on the burden estimates and information collection requirements are invited.

DOL BLS Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Information Collection OMB PRA Review

The Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey collects data on detailed occupational employment and wages from establishments including private employers, schools, hospitals, and government agencies. Public comments are invited on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of the collection.

Virtual Apprenticeship Knowledge Series Set for April 16, 2026

The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation has announced a free virtual Apprenticeship Knowledge Series to be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. CST via Microsoft Teams. The session, part of National Apprenticeship Week activities, will feature the Start Today SD team discussing the value of Registered Apprenticeship Programs as a workforce solution. Participants will learn about expanding apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening talent pipelines, and upcoming activities including the Apprenticeship Summit and apprentice graduate recognition.

Representative's Fee Black Lung Claim Proceeding Dept of Labor

The Department of Labor Workers Compensation Programs Office has finalized a rule addressing representative's fees in black lung claim proceedings. The rule establishes procedures governing fees awarded to attorneys and other representatives who assist coal miners in pursuing black lung benefits claims under the relevant federal program.

OPM RIF Appeal FedScope Data Pull

OPM released a FedScope data pull related to Reduction in Force (RIF) appeals on April 9, 2025. The document is available as a PDF download from regulations.gov under docket OPM-2025-0239. No new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are created by this data release.

Wildland Fire Pay Categories for Federal Employees Under USDA and DOI

OPM has published a proposed rulemaking to establish new pay categories for wildland fire federal employees under USDA Forest Service and DOI Bureau of Land Management. The document, docketed as OPM-2026-0199, seeks public comment on pay flexibilities, retention incentives, and premium pay provisions specific to wildland fire suppression activities. Federal agencies employing wildland fire personnel may be affected by proposed changes to compensation structures.

DOL Recovers $77,523 in Back Wages for 12 Austin Restaurant Workers Denied Overtime

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $77,523 in back wages for 12 workers employed by Grand Buffet Paradise LLC, which operates as Buffet Palace in Austin, Texas. The investigation found the employer paid kitchen staff straight salaries for all hours worked but failed to pay the required half-time overtime premiums for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The employer is now required to pay the full back-wage amount.

Dyno Battery Fined $224,320 for Lead Violations

Dyno Battery Fined $224,320 for Lead Violations

Black Lung Benefits Act Survivor's Form Extension Proposed

The Department of Labor is soliciting public comments on extending OMB Control No. 1240-0027 for the Survivor's Form for Benefits Under the Black Lung Benefits Act. The form allows survivors of deceased coal miners to apply for black lung disability benefits. Comments must be received by June 9, 2026.

USERRA Veterans Preference Information Collection OMB Review Comment Request

The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) has submitted an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act for OMB review regarding USERRA and Veterans' Preference eligibility complaints. The collection instrument determines initial eligibility of veteran claimants seeking reemployment rights and documents alleged employer violations. Public comments are invited through May 11, 2026.

DOL Proposes Extending Black Lung Fee Form Without Change Through 2029

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is seeking public comments on extending OMB Control No. 1240-0011 for the Application for Approval of Representative's Fee in Black Lung Claim Proceedings. The proposed extension would maintain the current CM-972 form without changes through the new approval period. Comments must be submitted by June 9, 2026, via Regulations.gov or mail.

California Invests $18.6M to Train 55,000 Apprentices in Building and Construction Trades

The California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) Training Fund awarded $18.6 million in grants to support 160 state-registered apprenticeship programs in building and construction trades, providing funding for more than 55,000 apprentices across multiple trades. Funded programs include boilermakers, bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, roofers, painters, ironworkers, plasterers, surveyors, sheet metal workers, and HVAC technicians. Grants reimburse apprenticeship programs for hands-on training costs, equipment investments, instructor training, curriculum development, and recruitment efforts. Apprenticeship programs in building and construction trades may seek partnerships or review available CAC Training Fund grants to expand capacity.

Michigan Declares April 2026 Autism Acceptance Month, Highlights Employment Resources

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Education (MDE), and Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with the Autism Alliance of Michigan, have proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month to foster acceptance and encourage Michiganders to build a more inclusive state. The proclamation highlights employment resources including Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, and Medicaid-covered services for eligible beneficiaries with autism spectrum disorder.

Michigan UIA Reminds Workers to Download 1099-G Tax Statements

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) issued a reminder on April 9, 2026, for workers who received unemployment benefits in 2025 to download their 1099-G tax statements from their Michigan Web Account Manager (MIWAM) account before filing state and federal income taxes. The notice provides four-step instructions for accessing the form online and alternative methods for those who cannot access their accounts, including a customer service phone number (1-866-500-0017) and options to request a corrected form or report identity theft. The 1099-G shows total benefits paid in 2025 and any withheld taxes, though discrepancies may occur due to automatic deductions for overpayments or court-ordered payments.

Tukwila Battery Manufacturer Fined $224k for Lead Exposure

WA L&I fined Dyno Battery, Inc. $224,320 on March 9, 2026, for 16 violations of occupational safety standards, nine of which were specifically for failure to remediate hazards identified in a prior inspection last July. Inspectors found workers exposed to lead levels more than four times the safe limit, with air cleaning devices blowing toxic lead dust onto workers and lead buildup persisting on lunchroom surfaces. L&I issued an Order of Immediate Restraint on Oct. 8, 2025, halting all battery assembly work until all violations were corrected; the stop-work order was lifted in February 2026 after Dyno Battery came into compliance.

DC Unemployment Rate 6.7%, Jobs Decrease 17,100 in January 2026

The District of Columbia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 6.7 percent in January 2026, unchanged from the benchmarked December 2025 rate. Preliminary job estimates show a decrease of 17,100 total jobs to 712,100, with the private sector down 11,600 and the public sector down 5,500. The number of employed DC residents decreased by 800 to 380,800, while the civilian labor force fell by 1,100 to 408,000, and the labor force participation rate declined 0.2 percentage points to 71.3 percent.

Arkansas Wrestling Rules 17 CAR Subpart 9 - Combative Sports Licensing

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission proposes Subpart 9 of 17 CAR Part 225 to establish comprehensive rules for combative sports wrestling. The proposed rules create new licensing requirements for all participants (wrestlers, referees, announcers, managers, valets, trainers, seconds, and judges) at $25 per license, require annual physician physicals, and mandate State Athletic Commission approval for all props used in professional wrestling events.

Arkansas Minimum Wage Act Proposed Rule Revisions 2025

Arkansas DOL proposes amendments to Minimum Wage Act rules consistent with Acts 397, 737, and 743 of 2025. The proposed rules replace the existing 20-factor test for independent contractor classification with the federal standard under 11 CAR § 11-602(b)(4) and incorporate wage investigation reforms including assessment period procedures and remedies for violations.

OSHA Logging Operations Standard

OSHA has issued a final rule updating the Logging Operations Standard (29 CFR 1910.266), addressing safety requirements for chainsaws, machine guarding, personal protective equipment, and training in logging workplaces. The revised standard affects approximately 1,600 logging establishments with 54,000 workers.

DOL Recovers $122,476 for 140 Mississippi HVAC Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $122,476 in back wages for 140 workers at AirSouth LLC, a Mendenhall-based cooling, heating, and electrical contractor with locations in Mendenhall and Greenville, Mississippi. An investigation determined the employer failed to include non-discretionary bonuses when calculating overtime wages and failed to issue final paychecks to two employees, violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employers with similar pay practices should review their overtime calculations to ensure all non-discretionary compensation is included.

Career Expo Scheduled for April 15 in Box Elder

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation will host a Career Expo on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m. MDT at the Box Elder Community Center, 420 Villa Drive, Box Elder, South Dakota. This free hiring event, organized in cooperation with the city of Box Elder and the Ellsworth Air Force Base Military & Family Readiness Center, offers job seekers the opportunity to meet with businesses, apply for open positions, and potentially interview on-site. Job seekers needing resume or cover letter assistance before the event can contact DLR's Job Service offices at 605-773-3372.

Going PRO Talent Fund $6M Grant Applications Open

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced applications have opened for Fiscal Year 2026 Cycle 2 of the Going PRO Talent Fund, with approximately $6 million in training grant funding available to Michigan businesses. Employers have until 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 24, 2026, to apply through their local Michigan Works! agency, with award announcements expected in June. Since 2014, the program has awarded over $323.4 million to support 8,966 businesses and 241,600 workers statewide.

Iowa Labor Force Participation Grows to 67.9%; Unemployment Steady at 3.4% in January

Iowa added 6,400 jobs in January 2026, raising total nonfarm employment to 1,584,400 jobs. The Labor Force Participation Rate increased to 67.9 percent, up from 67.6 percent one year prior, while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.4 percent. Construction added 1,300 jobs, manufacturing added 1,000 jobs, and education and health services added 1,100 jobs, though leisure and hospitality lost 200 jobs and trade, transportation, and utilities shed 6,900 jobs year-over-year.

Shapiro Administration Expands On-the-Spot Birth Certificate Initiative to Support Reentrants

The Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry, Health, and Corrections partnered with Kintock, a community reentry provider in Philadelphia, to issue over 30 birth certificates on-site to people returning from incarceration. The April 8, 2026 event enabled participants to receive documents in minutes after pre-verified applications, removing a barrier that often delays job applications, workforce program enrollment, and housing or identification access. Birth certificates were funded through Wagner-Peyser resources supporting workforce entry.

MDES Energy Expo & Job Fair Announced for April 21, 2026

MDES, in coordination with the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Public Service Commission, has announced an Energy Expo & Job Fair for April 21, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, MS. Governor Tate Reeves and MDES Executive Director Dr. William Ashley highlighted the event as supporting the Power Play initiative to position Mississippi as a leader in American energy. The job fair is the first sector-specific event in the Governor's Job Fair Network, with sector-specific job fairs for healthcare, education, and trades planned for the future. Employer registration is now open.

Personnel Staffing Inc. Settles EEOC Sex Discrimination Charge for $155,000

Personnel Staffing Inc. has agreed to pay $155,000 to settle a sex discrimination charge filed with the EEOC. The EEOC found reasonable cause to believe that discrimination occurred. In addition to monetary relief, the settlement requires the company to revise its employment practices and provide anti-discrimination training to managers and employees.

January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026. Preliminary nonseasonally adjusted data shows unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas and all 72 counties over the month. Year-over-year, rates decreased in 7 counties, increased in 61 counties, and remained unchanged in 4 counties. The release provides additional data context through Wisconomy.com.

Maine Employment Situation - January 2026

Maine's unemployment rate held at 3.3 percent for the thirteenth consecutive month in January 2026, with nonfarm wage and salary jobs remaining near 660,000 for the past 21 months. Annual revisions to 2024 and 2025 data showed modestly higher job counts than previously estimated. The Current Population Survey was not conducted during the October 2025 federal government shutdown, leaving no labor force estimates for that month.

Intertek Testing Services Revised Expansion Application

OSHA posted Intertek Testing Services' revised expansion application for its Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program. The application pertains to expansion of testing and certification activities under the NRTL program's scope. This document is part of the administrative record for OSHA-2007-0039.

OSHA Retaliation Complaints Information Collection OMB 1218-0236

OSHA is seeking public comments on its information collection request (OMB Control No. 1218-0236) regarding retaliation complaints filed under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act and related whistleblower protection statutes. The agency must obtain OMB approval to continue collecting information about employee complaints alleging retaliation for exercising safety and health rights. Comments are requested on whether the collection is necessary, the accuracy of burden estimates, and the quality of utility of the information.

Walking-Working Surfaces Standard: Removal of Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Deadline

OSHA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to remove a compliance deadline in the Walking-Working Surfaces standard requiring fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is simultaneously seeking public comment on whether to repeal or revise the underlying requirement entirely, potentially permitting employers to continue using ladder cages or wells instead of personal fall arrest systems.

Intertek Testing Services Expansion Application

OSHA has posted an expansion application from Intertek Testing Services in docket OSHA-2007-0039. Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), is seeking to expand its OSHA-recognized testing scope. The application is available for public review and comment.

Colorado Employment Situation – January 2026

Colorado added 6,600 nonfarm payroll jobs in January 2026 to reach a total of 2,966,000 jobs, while the statewide unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9 percent, up from the revised December rate of 3.8 percent. The number of unemployed individuals grew by 1,200 to 126,300, and the labor force decreased by 5,200 to 3,248,800, marking the lowest labor force participation rate since September 2020. Average hourly earnings grew from $39.79 to $40.62, remaining three dollars and forty-five cents above the national average of $37.17.

Compunnel Settles U.S. Worker Discrimination for $313,420

The DOJ Civil Rights Division secured a $313,420 settlement with Compunnel Software Group Inc. for alleged violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The company's recruiters posted job advertisements restricting positions to H-1B and temporary visa holders, excluding U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Compunnel must pay $58,000 in back pay to a U.S. citizen denied a Python Developer position and $255,420 in civil penalties to the U.S. Treasury. The settlement is the ninth under the Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative re-launched in 2025.

New Resources Help Manage Gender-Based Violence Risk in Construction

Safe Work Australia released a new set of resources on 8 April 2026 to help construction employers identify, assess, and manage gender-based violence risks in the industry. The resource package includes case studies, guidance documents, posters, and infographics designed for use on construction worksites, developed in collaboration with construction industry stakeholders. The materials address psychosocial hazard factors specific to construction, including male-dominated workforces, high job demands, and isolated work environments, and are intended to raise awareness and support prevention efforts.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary January 2026 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Department of Labor published preliminary area unemployment rates for January 2026 on April 7, 2026. The data is available for download from the Department's website. This is a routine monthly statistical release providing labor market information for regions within New York State.

OPM Withdraws Administrative Law Judges Proposed Rule

OPM formally withdrew its 2020 proposed rule to revise regulations governing administrative law judge (ALJ) appointments and employment. The proposal, which would have implemented Executive Order 13843 and updated hiring rules for Schedule E of the excepted service, received 41 comments during the 60-day comment period. OPM cited the age of the comments and agencies' independent implementation of the executive order as rationale for withdrawal.

DOJ Intervenes in MSHSAA Lawsuit Alleging Race and Sex Discrimination in Board Selection

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division intervened in a lawsuit against the Missouri State High School Activities Association on April 2, 2026, alleging that MSHSAA illegally classified prospective board members based on race and sex. MSHSAA's constitution requires at-large board seats to be filled by candidates representing an under-represented gender or ethnicity. Dr. Merlyn Johnson, a white male, was disqualified from running for the board solely because of his race and sex. DOJ argues MSHSAA is a state actor lacking a compelling interest in diverse board composition and asks the court to enjoin MSHSAA from disqualifying candidates on these bases. The case raises constitutional questions under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.