In a recent decision dated July 21, 2026, the Fifth Circuit (which covers Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi) overturned OSHA’s mental illness reporting rule. OSHA’s rule requires employers to report mental illnesses when a qualified professional finds that the illness is
OSHA Chronicle
OSHA Chronicle, published by Cozen O'Connor, focuses on developments and compliance issues related to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The blog covers topics such as regulatory updates, enforcement programs, workplace safety standards, chemical exposure management, recordkeeping requirements, and legal implications of OSHA inspections. It addresses practical guidance for employers on maintaining compliance with OSHA rules, including managing hazards like heat stress, amputations, and chemical exposures. The blog also discusses OSHA's rulemaking processes, enforcement priorities, and case law affecting workplace safety and health obligations.
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Latest from OSHA Chronicle
Are Injuries Caused By Personal Activities Recordable Under OSHA?
By John Ho
In a standard interpretation letter dated January 20, 2026, OSHA addressed whether an employee who is injured at work by a fire caused by a personal rechargeable lithium-ion battery (commonly used for e-cigarettes/vapes) is recordable on the OSHA 300 log.…
A PRIMER ON OSHA PENALTIES
By John Ho
OSHA penalties normally increase annually on January 15 of each year to account for inflation. These adjustments are designed to ensure that penalties remain aligned with the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). Currently, the maximum penalties for serious, and other-than-serious posting…
What’s the Status of OSHA’s Heat Stress Rule?
By John Ho
The short answer is regulatory limbo. OSHA’s Heat Stress rule, called “Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings,” was part of the Spring 2025 Regulatory Agenda. OSHA also held public hearings in mid-2025 and ended the…
OSHA and NY Workplace Violence Update in Health Care
By John Ho
OSHA does not have a specific rule that addresses workplace violence in general industry or health care, although it has long discussed the need for such rules. During the Biden Administration some progress was made to advance a workplace violence…
OSHA Launches Safety Champions Program
By John Ho
As part of OSHA’s efforts to enhance compliance assistance, it launched its “Safety Champions Program” (SCP) effective February 24, 2026. SCP is a new program for employers to develop and implement an effective safety and health program. The SCP incorporates…
DOL Follows Through On Use Of OSHA Standard Interpretation Letters
By John Ho
In June 2025, the United States Department of Labor announced a planned expansion of its opinion letter program intended to increase compliance assistance across several agencies including OSHA. The initiative is intended to reinforce OSHA’s commitment to offering valuable compliance…
OSHA Snapshot Updates
By John Ho
Federal Shutdown: As the longest federal shutdown drags onward, OSHA continues to operate on a skeletal staff. With limited exceptions that include the inspection of imminent danger situations, inspection of workplace fatalities, review of whistleblower complaints, and follow up inspections…
Chemical Exposures at Work: What Every Employer (and Employee) Should Know
By John Ho
The OSHA Chronicle would like to thank the team at Matrix New World Engineering for its guest blog article.Whether you’re operating a small print shop, a food processing plant, or an advanced manufacturing facility, chances are your employees encounter a…
OSHA Renews Focus On Amputations In Manufacturing
By John Ho
OSHA recently renewed its national emphasis program focused on preventing amputations in manufacturing, effective June 27. The national emphasis program will remain in place for five years, and programmed inspections may begin on September 25. The renewal of the program…