Current Safety Topics

By November 20, 2026, employers must have updated workplace labels, their written Hazard Communication program, and training for chemical substances affected by OSHA's 2024 HazCom update. If you have not made these updates yet, make them now. The earlier supplier deadline for substances was May 19, 2026, so updated SDSs should already be arriving. Mixtures follow on May 19, 2028. HazCom is the second most-cited OSHA standard. (UL, Haynes Boone)

OSHA's preliminary FY 2026 Top 10 lists fall protection (1926.501) first with 4,041 citations, followed by Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Scaffolding, and Ladders. Four of the ten are fall-related. Citations dropped about 25% overall, but the same ten hazards keep showing up. (Global Industrial, Business Insurance)

OSHA's proposed heat standard is still not final. But OSHA revised its Heat National Emphasis Program on April 10, 2026, and it now runs into 2031. In Arizona, ADOSH runs its own Heat State Emphasis Program, and in April 2026 the Industrial Commission of Arizona approved heat safety guidelines calling for a heat illness prevention plan, water, shade, rest, training, and acclimatization. Employers are cited under the General Duty Clause. The cooler months are the best time to write or update your heat illness prevention plan and train crews before summer 2027. (JD Supra, Copper Courier)

For the first time since annual adjustments began, OSHA did not raise maximum penalties for 2026. The federal maximum is $16,550 per serious violation and $165,514 per willful or repeated violation. A repeat citation within five years jumps the exposure tenfold. (OSHA memo, May 21, 2026)

Since January 13, 2025, the construction PPE standard requires PPE that properly fits each employee. Ill-fitting harnesses, gloves, and coveralls get adjusted, removed, or worked around, which is where protection breaks down. Smaller workers and women in the trades are most affected.

Many of the most-cited standards come with training that attaches to each worker, so every new hire creates a new compliance requirement. Strong onboarding on falls, HazCom, and ladders closes the gap where most injuries to new workers happen. (Global Industrial)

Close out your 2026 OSHA 300 log now. The 2026 Form 300A summary must be certified by a company executive and posted from February 1 to April 30, 2027. Many construction employers with 20 or more employees must also submit 300A data electronically by March 2, 2027. (OSHA: Recordkeeping)

Year-end is the time to check whose OSHA 10 or 30 cards, forklift evaluations (every 3 years), respirator fit tests (annual), and aerial lift authorizations are due in 2027. Expired or missing training records are a common citation and a common reason GCs reject a subcontractor's prequalification.

• OSHA: 2026 Annual Adjustments to OSHA Civil Penalties
• OSHA: Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards
• UL: OSHA extends HazCom 2024 compliance deadlines
• Haynes Boone: What employers must do by November 20
• JD Supra: OSHA revives Heat NEP (April 10, 2026)
• Copper Courier: New Arizona heat guidelines
• ADOSH Heat State Emphasis Program announcement
• Business Insurance: Fall protection tops OSHA violations
• Global Industrial: OSHA Top 10 and first-year employees