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Notice2025-18336

Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

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Published

September 22, 2025

Issuing agencies

Labor Department

Abstract

The internet has become the means for disseminating the entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda. However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 181 (Monday, September 22, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 181 (Monday, September 22, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45536-45542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-18336]

[[Page 45535]]

Vol. 90

Monday,

No. 181

September 22, 2025

Part XI

Department of Labor

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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 90 , No. 181 / Monday, September 22, 2025 /
Unified Agenda

[[Page 45536]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of the Secretary

20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX

29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV

30 CFR Ch. I

41 CFR Ch. 60

48 CFR Ch. 29

Semiannual Agenda of Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor

ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The internet has become the means for disseminating the
entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda.
However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a
regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal
Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura M. Dawkins, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy,
U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room S-2312,
Washington, DC 20210; (202) 693-5959.

Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be
obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular
regulation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires the
semiannual publication of an agenda of regulations that contains a
listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have
under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during
the coming one-year period. The entirety of the Department's semiannual
agenda is available online at <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a>.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires DOL to
publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda. The
Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda, published with this notice,
includes only those rules on its semiannual agenda that are likely to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities; and those rules identified for periodic review in keeping
with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Thus, the regulatory flexibility agenda is a subset of the Department's
semiannual regulatory agenda. The Department's Regulatory Flexibility
Agenda does not include section 610 items at this time.
All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to
let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be
improved and are invited to participate in and comment on the review or
development of the regulations listed on the Department's agenda.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer,
Secretary of Labor.

Wage and Hour Division--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
114....................... Application of the Fair 1235-AA55
Labor Standards Act to
Domestic Service.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wage and Hour Division--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
115....................... Defining and Delimiting 1235-AA39
the Exemptions for
Executive,
Administrative,
Professional, Outside
Sales, and Computer
Employees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
116....................... Employer-Provided Survey 1205-AC15
Wage Methodology for the
Temporary Non-
Agricultural Employment H-
2B Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
117....................... Temporary Employment of H- 1205-AB93
2B Foreign Workers in the
United States.
118....................... National Apprenticeship 1205-AC13
System Enhancements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
119....................... Independent Dispute 1210-AC17
Resolution Operations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 45537]]

Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
120....................... Enhancing Coverage of 1210-AC25
Preventive Services under
the Affordable Care Act
(CMS-9887-P).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
121....................... Communication Tower Safety 1218-AC90
122....................... Emergency Response........ 1218-AC91
123....................... Tree Care Standard........ 1218-AD04
124....................... Heat Injury and Illness 1218-AD39
Prevention in Outdoor and
Indoor Work Settings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
125....................... Process Safety Management 1218-AC82
and Prevention of Major
Chemical Accidents.
126....................... Workplace Violence in 1218-AD08
Health Care and Social
Assistance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
127....................... Infectious Diseases....... 1218-AC46
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor (DOL)
------------------------------------------- Proposed Rule Stage
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

114. <bullet> APPLICATION OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT TO DOMESTIC
SERVICE [1235-AA55]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 213(a)(15); 29 U.S.C. 213(b)(21)
Abstract: Section 13(a)(15) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA
or the Act) provides an exemption from the Act's minimum wage and
overtime pay requirements for domestic service employees engaged in
providing companionship services for individuals who (because of age or
infirmity) are unable to care for themselves. Section 13(b)(21) of the
FLSA provides an exemption from the Act's overtime pay requirement for
domestic service employees who reside in the household in which they
provide services. This notice indicates that WHD will review
regulations implementing sections 13(a)(15) and 13(b)(21) of the FLSA.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/02/25 90 FR 28976
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/03/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Daniel Navarrete, Director, Division of
Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation (DRLI), Department of
Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room S-3502,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0406
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d6b8b7a0b7a4a4b3a2b3f8b2b7b8bfb3ba96b2b9baf8b1b9a0">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1235-AA55

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor (DOL)
------------------------------------------- Long-Term Actions
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

115. DEFINING AND DELIMITING THE EXEMPTIONS FOR EXECUTIVE,
ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL, OUTSIDE SALES, AND COMPUTER EMPLOYEES
[1235-AA39]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.; 29 U.S.C. 213
Abstract: In 2023, the Department of Labor (Department) proposed to
update and revise the regulations issued under the Fair Labor Standards
Act implementing the exemptions from minimum wage and overtime pay
requirements for executive, administrative, professional, outside
sales, and computer employees. Several sections of the proposal were
addressed in a final rule published by the Department on April 26,
2024. However, the 2024 final rule did not finalize proposals in
sections IV.B.1 and B.2 of the NPRM to apply the updated standard
salary level to the four U.S. territories that are subject to the
federal minimum wage (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and to update the
special salary levels for American Samoa and the motion picture
industry in relation to the new standard salary level. In the 2024
rule, the Department said it will address these aspects of its proposal
in a future final rule. However, the proposals finalized in the 2024
rule were subsequently vacated and the Department is currently
reviewing the 2024 rule and determining how to proceed.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/08/23 88 FR 62152
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/07/23
Final Rule.......................... 04/26/24 89 FR 32842
Final Rule Effective................ 07/01/24
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Daniel Navarrete, Director, Division of
Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation (DRLI),

[[Page 45538]]

Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200 Constitution Avenue
NW, Room S-3502, Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-0406
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#355b54435447475041501b51545b5c505975515a591b525a43">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1235-AA39

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor (DOL)
-------------------------------------------
Employment and Training Administration Final Rule Stage
(ETA)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

116. EMPLOYER-PROVIDED SURVEY WAGE METHODOLOGY FOR THE TEMPORARY NON-
AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT H-2B PROGRAM [1205-AC15]

Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b); 8 U.S.C.
1103(a)(6); 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(1); Pub. L. 118-47, Division D, Title I,
sec. 110 (3/23/24)
Abstract: The Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, requires
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), prior to the approval of H-
2B visa petitions, to consult with the Department of Labor
(Department). DHS' regulation at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6) requires that
employers first apply for a temporary labor certification from the
Department. Specifically, the Department must certify that there are
not sufficient U.S. workers able, available, willing, and qualified to
perform the temporary services or labor, and that the employment of the
H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions
of similarly employed U.S. workers. To ensure that there is no adverse
effect, DOL requires employers to pay the prevailing wage to H-2B
workers. Employer-provided surveys may serve as a prevailing wage
source under the H-2B regulations. On December 23, 2022, the U.S.
District Court for the District of Columbia held that the employer-
provided survey provision under the Wage Methodology for the Temporary
Non-Agricultural Employment H-2B Program final rule (2015 Wage Rule) in
20 CFR part 655 subpart A did not satisfy the notice and comment
requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Williams, et
al. v. Walsh, et al. (Williams), 648 F. Supp. 3d 70 (D.D.C. 2022). The
court remanded the rule without vacatur and ordered ``action with
haste'' for further consideration consistent with the court's opinion.
The Department plans to issue a final rule on the employer-provided
survey provision of the 2015 Wage Rule to cure the procedural defect of
the 2015 Wage Rule, pursuant to the decision in Williams.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/18/24 89 FR 90646
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/17/25
Final Rule.......................... 04/00/26
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue
NW, Office of Foreign Labor Certification; Room N-5311, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8200
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#443425373021362a252f6a26362d252a04202b286a232b32">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1205-AC15

------------------------------------------------------------------------

117. TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT OF H-2B FOREIGN WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES
[1205-AB93]

Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1184; 8 U.S.C. 1103; sec. 655.0 issued
under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii), 1101(a)(15)(H)(i) and (ii); 8
U.S.C. 1103(a)(6), 1182(m), (n) and (t), 1184(c), (g), and (j), 1188,
and 1288(c) and (d); sec. 3(c)(1), Pub. L. 101-238, 103 Stat. 2099,
2102 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 221(a), Pub. L. 101-649, 104 Stat.
4978, 5027 (8 U.S.C. 1184 note); sec. 303(a)(8), Pub. L. 102-232, 105
Stat. 733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); sec. 323(c), Pub. L. 103-206, 107
Stat. 2428; sec. 412(e),; Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681 (8 U.S.C.
1182 note); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C.
1182 note); 29 U.S.C. 49k; Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135, as amended;
Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; . . .
Abstract: The United States Department of Labor (DOL) considered
updating the process by which employers seeking to employ H-2B workers
would obtain temporary certification from DOL for use in petitioning
DHS to employ a nonimmigrant worker in H-2B status. The Department is
withdrawing this item from the Regulatory Agenda.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn........................... 04/21/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue
NW, Office of Foreign Labor Certification; Room N-5311, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8200
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#750514060110071b141e5b17071c141b35111a195b121a03">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1205-AB93

118. NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS [1205-AC13]

Legal Authority: The National Apprenticeship Act, as amended (50
Stat. 664) 29 U.S.C. 50
Abstract: The Department withdrew its notice of proposed rulemaking
published on January 17, 2024 (89 FR 3118), and terminated the
rulemaking proceedings regarding revisions to the Federal regulations
implementing the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/17/24 89 FR 3118
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/18/24
Withdrawn........................... 12/27/24 89 FR 105504
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Megan Baird, Acting Administrator, Office of
Apprenticeship, Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room C-5311, Washington, DC
20210
Phone: 202 693-2796
Fax: 202 693-3799
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fd9f9c948f99d390989a9c93bd999291d39a928b">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1205-AC13

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor (DOL)
-------------------------------------------
Employee Benefits Security Administration Final Rule Stage
(EBSA)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

119. INDEPENDENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION OPERATIONS [1210-AC17]

Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, Div. BB, Title I and Title II
Abstract: This document finalizes rules related to certain
provisions of the No Surprises Act regarding the Federal independent
dispute resolution (IDR) process, which was established as part of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA). This rule sets forth new
requirements relating to the disclosure of information that group
health plans and health insurance issuers offering

[[Page 45539]]

group or individual health insurance coverage must include along with
the initial payment or notice of denial of payment for certain items
and services subject to the surprise billing protections in the No
Surprises Act. This rule also requires plans and issuers to communicate
information by using claim adjustment reason codes (CARCs) and
remittance advice remark codes (RARCs), as specified in guidance, when
providing any paper or electronic remittance advice to an entity that
does not have a contractual relationship with the plan or issuer. This
document also amends certain requirements related to the open
negotiation period preceding the Federal IDR process, the initiation of
the Federal IDR process, the Federal IDR dispute eligibility review,
and the payment and collection of administrative fees and certified IDR
entity fees. This document also defines bundled payment arrangements,
amends requirements related to batched items and services, and amends
the rules for extensions of timeframes due to extenuating
circumstances. Additionally, this document requires plans and issuers
to register in the Federal IDR portal.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/03/23 88 FR 75744
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/02/24
NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 01/22/24 89 FR 3896
NPRM Comment Period Reopened End.... 02/05/24
Final Action........................ 11/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Amber Rivers, Director, Office of Health Plan
Standards and Compliance Assistance, Department of Labor, Employee
Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#53213a253621207d323e31362113373c3f7d343c25">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1210-AC17

------------------------------------------------------------------------

120. ENHANCING COVERAGE OF PREVENTIVE SERVICES UNDER THE AFFORDABLE
CARE ACT (CMS-9887-P) [1210-AC25]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1185d
Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations implementing the
Affordable Care Act's requirement that non-grandfathered group health
plans and health insurance issuers offering non-grandfathered group or
individual health insurance coverage cover recommended preventive
services without cost sharing. Among other actions, the rule would take
steps to expand access to certain recommended preventive items and
services that are available over-the-counter; require coverage of
certain preventive drugs and drug-led devices in a manner that
minimizes barriers to accessing the drug or drug-led device of one's
choice; reduce the likelihood that individuals face unexpected out-of-
pocket costs when they receive preventive services; and ensure medical
management techniques are reasonable and do not unduly prevent
individuals from accessing certain preventive services. Together, these
actions would make it easier for covered individuals to access certain
preventive services and improve health outcomes.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/28/24 89 FR 85750
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/27/24
NPRM Withdrawn...................... 01/25/25 90 FR 3728
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Amber Rivers, Director, Office of Health Plan
Standards and Compliance Assistance, Department of Labor, Employee
Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-8335
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c0e150a190e0f521d111e190e3c181310521b130a">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1210-AC25

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Labor (DOL)
-------------------------------------------
Occupational Safety and Health Proposed Rule Stage
Administration (OSHA)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

121. COMMUNICATION TOWER SAFETY [1218-AC90]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: After a spike in fatalities associated with work on
communication towers, in 2015, OSHA published a Request for Information
(RFI) to collect information about the nature and causes of these
fatalities, how they could be best prevented, and whether a new OSHA
standard specific to this work environment was needed. OSHA also
convened a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)
panel to asses how to best address associated safety and health
concerns. To the extent a new standard or changes to existing OSHA
safety standards are needed to address these hazards, this rulemaking
will implement the necessary regulatory requirements.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information (RFI)....... 04/15/15 80 FR 20185
RFI Comment Period End.............. 06/15/15
Initiate SBREFA..................... 01/04/17
Initiate SBREFA..................... 05/31/18
Complete SBREFA..................... 10/11/18
NPRM................................ 10/00/25
-----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Brian Rizzzo, Acting Director, Directorate of
Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Room N-3468, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
20210
Phone: 202 693-2495
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5123382b2b3e7f332338303f7f3011353e3d7f363e27">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AC90

122. EMERGENCY RESPONSE [1218-AC91]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
currently regulates aspects of emergency response and preparedness;
some of these standards were promulgated decades ago, and none were
designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently,
they do not address the full range of hazards or concerns currently
facing emergency responders, and other workers providing skilled
support, nor do they reflect major changes in performance
specifications for protective clothing and equipment. The agency
acknowledges that current OSHA standards also do not reflect all the
major developments in safety and health practices that have already
been accepted by the emergency response community and incorporated into
industry consensus standards.
The regulatory effort began in 2007 with a Request for Information
(RFI). In

[[Page 45540]]

July 2014, OSHA hosted two stakeholder meetings with participants
representing a broad range of emergency responders as well as allied
stakeholders such as State Plan representatives, skilled support
workers, and law enforcement. Given the broad support and interest seen
during the stakeholder meetings, OSHA decided to move forward with a
comprehensive proposed standard for emergency response. In September
2015, OSHA requested, and NACOSH designated, a subcommittee made up of
major stakeholders and charged with developing proposed regulatory
text. The subcommittee held six meetings over the course of a year. In
December 2016, the full NACOSH committee reviewed and approved the
recommendations for a proposed rule developed by the subcommittee. The
committee recommended to the Secretary that OSHA proceed with
rulemaking, using the subcommittee's regulatory text as a basis for the
rule. In October 2021, a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel
was assembled, as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA); SBREFA was concluded in December; 2021.
OSHA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in February 2024.
To encourage and increase stakeholder feedback regarding the
proposed rule, OSHA twice extended the original 90-day public comment
period by a total of 76 days: from May 6 until July 22. The agency held
an 11-day informal public hearing with beginning on November 12, 2024.
Testimony was provided by 266 stakeholders from around the country who
provided their input, shared data, and expressed their opinions. The
post-hearing written comment period concluded on January 17, 2025, OSHA
is currently reviewing the testimony and evidence from the public
hearing and post-hearing comment period.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stakeholder Meetings................ 07/30/14
Convene NACOSH Workgroup............ 09/09/15
NACOSH Review of Workgroup Report... 12/14/16
Initiate SBREFA..................... 08/02/21
Finalize SBREFA..................... 12/02/21
NPRM................................ 02/05/24 89 FR 7774
Comment Period Extended............. 03/28/24 89 FR 21468
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 06/11/24 89 FR 49119
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/22/24
NPRM, Notice of Informal Public 07/23/24 89 FR 59712
Hearing.
Informal Public Hearing............. 11/12/24 89 FR 59712
Post-Hearing Comment Period End..... 01/17/25
NPRM Analyze Comments............... 11/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8a4adbea1a6bba7a6e6a9a6acbaadbf88aca7a4e6afa7be">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AC91

123. TREE CARE STANDARD [1218-AD04]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655
Abstract: There is no Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) standard for tree care operations; the agency currently applies
a patchwork of standards to address the serious hazards in this
industry. The tree care industry previously petitioned the agency for
rulemaking and OSHA issued an ANPRM (September 2008). OSHA completed a
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) panel in
May 2020, collecting information from affected small entities on a
potential standard, including the scope of the standard, effective work
practices, and arboricultural specific uses of equipment to guide OSHA
in developing a rule that would best address industry safety and health
concerns. Tree care continues to be a high-hazard industry. OSHA
completed the SBREFA process in May 2020.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stakeholder Meeting................. 07/13/16
Initiate SBREFA..................... 01/10/20
Complete SBREFA..................... 05/22/20
NPRM................................ 04/00/26
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#68040d1e01061b07064609060c1a0d1f280c0704460f071e">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AD04

124. HEAT INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION IN OUTDOOR AND INDOOR WORK
SETTINGS [1218-AD39]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655; 5 U.S.C. 553
Abstract: Excessive heat in the workplace can cause a number of
adverse health effects, including heat stroke and even death, if not
treated properly.
Workers in outdoor and indoor work settings without adequate
climate controls are at risk of hazardous heat exposure. Certain heat-
generating processes, machinery, and equipment (e.g., hot tar ovens,
furnaces, etc.) can also cause hazardous heat when cooling measures are
not in place.
To date, California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon
and Washington have issued heat protections. The Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) currently relies on the general duty
clause (OSHA Act section 5(a)(1)) to protect workers from this hazard.
However, a standard specific to heat-related injury and illness
prevention would more clearly set forth enforceable employer
obligations and the measures necessary to effectively protect employees
from hazardous heat.
OSHA published an ANPRM on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in
Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings (October 27, 2021) to begin a dialogue
and engage with stakeholders to explore the potential for rulemaking on
this topic. On May 3, 2022, OSHA held a virtual public stakeholder
meeting on the Agency's initiatives to protect workers from heat-
related hazards. OSHA also established a Heat Injury and Illness
Prevention Work Group of the National Advisory Committee on
Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) to help NACOSH provide
recommendations on potential elements of a heat injury and illness
prevention standard. On May 31, 2023, the Work Group presented its
recommendations to the full committee, which submitted the
recommendations to OSHA (<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, Document No. OSHA-2023-
0003-0012).
In August 2023, OSHA convened a Small Business Advocacy Review
(SBAR) Panel, in accordance with the requirements of the Small Business

[[Page 45541]]

Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA), to hear comments directly
from small entity representatives (SERs) on the potential impacts of a
heat-specific standard. OSHA completed its small business consultations
as another important step in this process in November 2023.
On April 24, 2024, OSHA presented to the Advisory Committee on
Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) the Agency's framework for this
proposed rule, in accordance with 29 CFR 1911.10(a) which requires the
Assistant Secretary to provide ACCSH with any proposal (along with
pertinent factual information) affecting construction work and give
ACCSH an opportunity to submit recommendations. ACCSH passed
unanimously a motion recommending that OSHA proceed expeditiously with
proposing a standard on heat injury and illness prevention.
On August 30, 2024, OSHA published in the Federal Register a Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in
Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The proposed standard would apply to
all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general
industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA
has jurisdiction. The standard would require employers to create a plan
to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would
clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively
protect employees from hazardous heat.
The publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register began a public
comment period that was extended until January 14, 2025. When the
agency extended the public comment period, it also announced an
informal public hearing to receive additional public input on the
proposed standard. Public comments will help the agency develop a final
rule that adequately protects workers, is feasible for employers, and
is based on the best available evidence.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM............................... 10/27/21 86 FR 59309
ANPRM Comment Period Extended....... 12/02/21 86 FR 68594
ANPRM Comment Period Extended End... 01/26/22
Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/02/23
Complete SBREFA..................... 11/03/23
NPRM................................ 08/30/24 89 FR 70698
NPRM Comment Period Extended; and 11/29/24 89 FR 94631
Notice of Informal Public Hearing.
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/30/24
NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 01/14/25
Informal Public Hearing............. 06/16/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c2aea7b4abacb1adaceca3aca6b0a7b582a6adaeeca5adb4">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AD39

------------------------------------------------------------------------

125. PROCESS SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF MAJOR CHEMICAL
ACCIDENTS [1218-AC82]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655; 29 U.S.C. 657
Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
issued a Request for Information (RFI) on December 9, 2013 (78 FR
73756). The RFI identified issues related to modernization of the
Process Safety Management standard and related standards necessary to
meet the goal of preventing major chemical accidents. OSHA completed
SBREFA in August 2016. OSHA held a stakeholder meeting on October 12,
2022, and kept the docket open for comments until November 14, 2022.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information (RFI)....... 12/09/13 78 FR 73756
RFI Comment Period Extended......... 03/07/14 79 FR 13006
RFI Comment Period Extended End..... 03/31/14
Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/08/15
SBREFA Report Completed............. 08/01/16
Stakeholder Meeting.................
-----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ec80899a85829f8382c28d82889e899bac888380c28b839a">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AC82

126. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE [1218-
AD08]

Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)
Abstract: Workplace violence against employees providing healthcare
and social assistance services is a serious and longstanding concern.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued
Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social
Service Workers in 1996 and updated the guidelines in 2004 and 2016.
OSHA has also used the general duty clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the
Occupational Safety and Health Act) in enforcement cases addressing
workplace violence in healthcare.
OSHA published a Request for Information on December 7, 2016, (81
FR 88147) seeking information about the extent and nature of workplace
violence in the industry and the nature and effectiveness of
interventions and controls used to prevent such violence. Also in 2016,
a broad coalition of labor unions petitioned OSHA to issue a standard
to address workplace violence in healthcare, and National Nurses United
submitted a separate petition for a workplace violence standard. On
January 10, 2017, OSHA granted the petitions. In accordance with the
requirements of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act,
OSHA convened a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel in March
2023 to consider a potential standard for prevention of workplace
violence in healthcare and social assistance. The SBAR Panel issued its
report on May 1, 2023.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information (RFI)....... 12/07/16 81 FR 88147
RFI Comment Period End.............. 04/06/17
Initiate SBREFA..................... 12/29/22

[[Page 45542]]

Complete SBREFA.....................
-----------------------------------
NPRM................................ To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#670b02110e09140809490609031502102703080b49000811">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AD08

------------------------------------------------------------------------

127. INFECTIOUS DISEASES [1218-AC46]

Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 29 U.S.C. 657 and 658; 29 U.S.C.
660; 29 U.S.C. 666; 29 U.S.C. 669; 29 U.S.C. 673
Abstract: Employees in health care and other high-risk environments
face long-standing infectious disease hazards such as tuberculosis
(TB), varicella disease (chickenpox, shingles), Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and measles, as well as new and emerging
infectious disease threats, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS), the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and pandemic influenza.
OSHA examined regulatory alternatives for control measures to protect
employees in these settings from exposure to pathogens that can cause
significant infectious disease. Workplaces where such control measures
might be necessary include: health care, emergency response, and other
occupational settings where employees can be at increased risk of
exposure to individuals who are potentially infectious. A standard
could also apply to laboratories which handle materials that may be a
source of pathogens, and to settings where human remains are handled
(e.g., morgues, mortuaries, funeral homes). OSHA published a Request
for Information in 2010 and completed SBREFA in 2024. OSHA withdrew its
draft proposal from OIRA review on January 14, 2025.
In accordance with Executive Order 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity
through Deregulation), the agency has concluded that rulemaking on
infectious disease is no longer an agency priority and is withdrawing
this rulemaking from the regulatory agenda.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request for Information (RFI)....... 05/06/10 75 FR 24835
RFI Comment Period End.............. 08/04/10
Analyze Comments.................... 12/30/10
Stakeholder Meetings................ 07/05/11 76 FR 39041
Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/04/14
Complete SBREFA..................... 12/22/14
Withdrawn........................... 04/21/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards
and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone: 202 693-1950
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2f434a5946415c4041014e414b5d4a586f4b404301484059">[email&#160;protected]</a>
RIN: 1218-AC46

[FR Doc. 2025-18336 Filed 9-19-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-HL-P

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.