OSHA Extends Citation Response Dates
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports it is taking steps to catch up on enforcement-related activities that lapsed during the federal government shutdown.
In a Nov. 2 press release, the agency said it is actively addressing a backlog of complaints that were not processed, and that it has extended the time employers have to respond to citations issued immediately prior to or during the shutdown.
Government shutdown days do not count as “working days” that apply to citation deadlines. Employers whose citations were issued and/or received between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 2025, must now respond before Dec. 5, 2025. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, a company has 15 working days after receiving citations and penalties to request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted during the case review process.
To check the status of a complaint, check the OSHA establishment search webpage. Refer to this OSHA fact sheet to learn about the agency’s inspection process.
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