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Walking-Working Surfaces Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Requirements

OSHA published a proposed rule to remove the compliance deadline for equipping fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet with personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. The agency is also seeking public comment on whether to repeal or revise the personal fall arrest system requirement entirely, potentially allowing continued use of ladder cages or wells. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.

Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Application for Use of Public Space by Non-DOL Agencies in the Frances Perkins Building

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM) has published a notice requesting public comments on the proposed extension of OMB Control No. 1225-0087, an existing information collection covering applications for non-DOL agencies to use public space in the Frances Perkins Building in Washington, DC. The notice solicits feedback under the Paperwork Reduction Act on the burden estimates and utility of this permit application process. Comments must be received by June 5, 2026.

Delay of Silica Exposure Rule Amendments for Miners

MSHA issued a final rule delaying indefinitely the effective date of conforming amendments to 30 CFR parts 56 and 57 from the 2024 Silica Rule. The delay follows an Eighth Circuit Court order staying the 2024 rule's compliance deadlines pending judicial review. Existing standards under 30 CFR 56.5001, 56.5005, 57.5001, and 57.5005 remain in effect until the judicial stay is terminated.

Texas Adds 40,100 Jobs, Surpasses National Growth Rate

The Texas Workforce Commission reported that Texas added 40,100 nonfarm jobs in January 2026, reaching a total of 14,379,500 positions. The state posted an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Construction led private sector growth with 11,800 jobs added over the month.

Unemployment Insurance IT Modernization Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting public comments on extending the authority to conduct an information collection request (ICR) for the Pre-Implementation Planning Checklist for State Unemployment Insurance Information Technology Modernization Projects. The checklist, originally developed in 2018 and revised in 2020 and 2023, helps State Workforce Agencies validate critical system functions before launching new UI IT systems. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.

HCL America Settles Age and National Origin Discrimination Lawsuit

The EEOC announced that HCL America will pay $495,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging age and national origin discrimination. The case involved claims that the company rejected a 62-year-old Indian job applicant based on discriminatory factors. The settlement includes compensatory damages for the affected individual.

Blue Eagle Contracting sued for religious discrimination

The EEOC filed a lawsuit (Case No. 2:25-cv-00012) against Blue Eagle Contracting in the District of Utah for religious discrimination under Title VII. The EEOC alleges the company failed to accommodate an employee's religious practice and subsequently terminated the employee. The EEOC seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages for the complainant, and injunctive relief preventing future religious discrimination.

Giglio vs Oak Central Recruitment - Terms of Employment

WRC Adjudication Officer Catherine Byrne issued a decision on February 16, 2026, finding in favour of complainant Leandro Giglio against Oak Central Recruitment Services Limited. The case concerned alleged breaches of section 7 of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, specifically that the employer failed to provide written notice of changes to the complainant's terms and conditions of employment when he was promoted to duty manager in July 2024. The complainant also claimed he was not paid for mandatory pre-shift meetings.

Health and Safety Penalisation Complaint Adjudication

The Workplace Relations Commission issued an adjudication decision in case ADJ-00061617, finding that Gilciene Neves was penalised by Brindley Healthcare Services Limited for raising health and safety concerns about her shift pattern under Section 28 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005. The complainant, a Rapid Respondent Health Care Assistant, testified that she faced increased scrutiny and formal performance improvement requirements after complaining about fatigue from driving and client visits.

Interest Assumptions for Valuing Benefits in Single-Employer Plans

PBGC issued a final rule updating interest assumptions used for valuing benefits in terminating single-employer plans covered by ERISA. The rule prescribes spreads component rates for valuation dates from April 30 through July 30, 2026. These actuarial assumptions affect annuity pricing, withdrawal liability calculations, and annual financial reporting requirements for pension plan sponsors.