The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, sets minimum workplace safety standards for many industries. There are several changes that industries need to be aware of to stay in OSHA compliance for 2025.
The biggest changes are to the heat stress standards, but there are also changes to recordkeeping and hazard communications. New enhanced enforcement of existing standards is coming into play this year. Here's what's new for employers when it comes to OSHA compliance in 2025.
The heat stress standard is a set of rules that applies to industries where workers tend to spend a lot of time outdoors in the heat. These are mainly in the agricultural, construction, and oil and gas industries.
Employers are required to provide additional mandatory breaks for workers when it gets extremely hot. They also have to provide employees access to drinking water and shaded areas to rest. Companies are also required to come up with plans to address heat-related illnesses and implement them.
New workplace safety standards also begin this year for industries that deal with hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and consumer and industrial chemicals. OSHA requires closer alignment with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) when it comes to chemical labeling and safety data sheets.
OSHA's Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) has some changes in store for employers as well. Stricter recordkeeping of workplace injuries and illnesses will be required. Some industries will need to begin electronic reporting this year if they haven't already.
The labeling of hazardous chemicals and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will be revised this year. Employees will need to receive new training on the updated labels and SDS. Employers will need to ensure that all hazardous chemicals and their secondary containers are properly labeled, and must keep an updated chemical inventory.
OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application is going to become more prevalent in 2025. Employers have to maintain detailed records of injuries and illnesses in the workplace and submit them electronically via the app. In addition, employers are required to have the records readily available in the event of an OSHA inspection.
The federal Respiratory Protection Standards also have some new updates to be aware of. Employers are required to have workers who wear respirators on the job, such as in some manufacturing and chemical industry positions, to have regular medical evaluations. Companies are required to develop a written respiratory protection plan specific to their workplace hazards. Employees will be required to undergo training on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of respirator devices.
Staying up-to-date on the OSHA regulations updates every year is a necessity for employers in most industries. Workplace safety standards often change from one year to the next, although the rules remain fairly static for some industries.
OSHA trainings for employees are required to take place annually at a minimum. Some industries, such as those that deal with bloodborne pathogens, are required to hold training more frequently. These should be calendared as early in the year as possible, or at the end of the previous year if the new standards for the upcoming year are already known.
Employers should also let employees know that training is mandatory. It's best to be aware of new safety protocols and requirements before they happen to ensure compliance.
The new injury and illness tracking requirements from OSHA went into effect on January 2, 2025. One of the most effective ways to stay in compliance and streamline reporting is by becoming familiar with the Injury Tracking Application and implementing its regular use in the workplace.
Technology can be a massive help for companies when it comes to OSHA compliance in 2025. Safety management software can help streamline compliance and make the reporting process much faster. These types of software also help with recordkeeping, if you are audited by OSHA. Compliance checklists can help ensure that you're staying up-to-date with regulatory changes and maintaining a safe workplace on an ongoing basis.
Many companies are beginning to use virtual reality and alternate reality (VR/AR) for training purposes. These tools allow them to put workers through safety scenarios without actually handling hazardous chemicals or dangerous situations. Workers can practice emergency procedures and equipment handling in a safe, controlled environment.
Professional safety audits of the workplace can also be a good investment for many industries. Hiring a professional consultant to check over your safety procedures allows you to make adjustments before an OSHA auditor comes knocking.
This is just a snapshot of the updated standards for OSHA compliance in 2025. It's important to read up on industry-specific changes to know what applies to your workplace and to implement any changes effectively.