OSHA's Big Announcement at the NSC Safety Congress

In a surprising update from the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, OSHA has announced a likely 30-day extension for the public comment period on its proposed heat rule. This news came directly from Andrew Levinson, the director of OSHA’s Standards and Guidance Directorate.

Currently, the comment period is set to close on September 30, but the agency is eager to gather even more feedback from stakeholders, especially after receiving over 43,000 comments so far.

Feedback Matters: The Agency Wants to Hear From You!

Levinson emphasized the importance of public input, stating, "We had a lot of people provide comments on the proposed rule during public hearings. Now, we’re looking forward to this next batch of insights to see how we can improve the proposed regulations." This proactive approach suggests that OSHA is committed to refining its proposals based on real-world experiences and concerns.

What’s Next for Lockout/Tagout Rules?

In addition to the heat rule, Levinson indicated that OSHA plans to move quickly on updating its lockout/tagout protocols. This will likely introduce innovative computer-based controls for hazardous energy, with a formal notice of proposed rulemaking potentially appearing as soon as December.

Changes to Respirator Regulations on the Horizon

Levinson also discussed some deregulatory actions regarding substance-specific respirator rules, particularly for hazardous materials like asbestos and lead. He pointed out that existing regulations are outdated and that OSHA is considering more flexible options for respirator selection, which could greatly benefit workers!

Mental Health Matters in Workplace Safety

In a related highlight, Arlene Williams, acting director of OSHA’s Cooperative and State Programs Directorate, unveiled important resources focused on suicide prevention. She stressed that mental health should be part of workplace safety.

With materials available in Spanish as well, these resources aim to raise awareness and address invisible hazards that can affect workers' performance and overall well-being.

Mark Your Calendars!

The comment period for 20 proposed rules, including those related to substance-specific respirators, has been extended until November 1. Make sure to share your insights and help shape policies that impact worker safety!