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MSHA Delays Silica Exposure Rule for Miners

MSHA issued a final rule delaying the effective date of conforming amendments to its respirable crystalline silica standards for metal and nonmetal mines. The delay follows a judicial stay from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Existing standards in 30 CFR 56.5001, 56.5005, 57.5001, and 57.5005 remain in effect while the court reviews the 2024 Silica Rule.

Ladder Safety System Deadline Removal

OSHA has published a proposed rule to remove the compliance deadline requiring fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet above a lower level to be equipped with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is accepting public comments until June 5, 2026 on whether to repeal or revise the personal fall arrest system requirement and instead permit employers to continue using ladder cages or wells.

BOLI Warns of Scam Targeting Spanish-Speaking Workers

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) published two press releases warning of a scam targeting Spanish-speaking workers in the state. The announcements, available in both English and Spanish, were issued on April 6, 2026, to alert vulnerable worker populations about fraudulent schemes. BOLI issued this consumer protection advisory as part of its outreach mission to Oregon's immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities.

Asset Allocation Interest Assumptions for Single-Employer Plans

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) issued a final rule amending 29 CFR Part 4044 to update the spreads component of the interest assumption for valuing benefits under terminating single-employer plans. The rule applies to plans with valuation dates from April 30, 2026 through July 30, 2026. These quarterly updates to the 4044 yield curve ensure that pension liability calculations align with current private-sector group annuity pricing.

Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule for Medicare DMEPOS Changes

The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) posted an order adjusting the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule to conform to 2026 Medicare payment system changes as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The adjustment adopts Medicare's April 2026 Quarter 2 DMEPOS Fee Schedule update and is effective for services on or after April 1, 2026.

Tip Pool Violation - Back Wage Recovery for Tipped Employees

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $85,197 in back wages for 36 employees after finding that Nate's At The Buda Mill & Grain Inc. (operating as Nate's Coffee & Cocktails) violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing a general manager to participate in an employee tip pool. The violation invalidated the employer's tip credit, requiring payment of full minimum wage to affected workers.

Mediation Program Surpasses $6M in Settlements

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) announced that its Mediation Program has surpassed $6 million in settlements between Oregon workers and employers. The milestone comes as the expanded mediation model continues to move forward, providing an alternative dispute resolution pathway for employment-related conflicts in the state.

Cal/OSHA advises protecting workers from wildfire smoke

Cal/OSHA issued an advisory urging California employers to protect workers from unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke from the Springs and Crown fires in Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The advisory reminds employers of existing requirements under the Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard, including monitoring PM2.5 levels, adjusting work practices, and providing respirators. When PM2.5 AQI exceeds 150, respirators must be provided; above 500, respirator use is required.

Kansas Labor Report Shows 3.9% Unemployment, 1.47M Jobs

The Kansas Department of Labor released the January 2026 Kansas Labor Report, showing a 3.9% unemployment rate and 1.47 million jobs in the state. The February 2026 report is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026. This is a routine statistical release with no regulatory implications.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Jobs Report

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released January 2026 preliminary employment data showing the state unemployment rate declined to 4.3% from 4.4% in December, matching the U.S. rate. Total nonfarm jobs reached a record high of 6,201,900, up 17,900 over the month and 35,500 year-over-year.