OSHA’s 2026 Priorities: Key Changes Employers Must Know

As 2026 approaches, employers in industries including construction, manufacturing, energy, and utilities should expect a busy year from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Expanded inspections, stricter recordkeeping, and new safety standards are on the horizon.

Current penalties are $16,550 per violation for serious and other-than-serious posting requirements, $16,550 per day for failure to abate, and $165,514 per willful or repeated violation. The agency’s penalty and debt collection policies are included in OSHA’s Field Operations Manual.

Employers who prepare now will be better positioned to protect their workforce, avoid penalties, and strengthen compliance programs.

Heat Illness Prevention Standard in Development

OSHA is moving forward with a federal Heat Illness Prevention Standard designed to safeguard indoor and outdoor workers who are exposed to extreme temperatures. The rule is expected to require:

• Access to shade, rest, and hydration
• Acclimatization for new and returning workers
• Monitoring and responding to signs of heat stress

A post-public hearing comment period on the proposed rule was extended to Oct. 30 for individuals and organizations that submitted a notice of intention to appear at the hearing. Employers in high-heat industries, particularly construction, energy, and manufacturing, should follow standard developments and start building formal programs now to avoid enforcement risks and ensure the safety of employees.

Expanded Injury and Illness Recordkeeping

Since January 2024, certain high-hazard employers must electronically submit Forms 300 and 301 in addition to Form 300A. By 2026, OSHA is expected to ramp up enforcement and increase data transparency. Key implications include:

• Greater reputational risks from publicly available incident data
• Higher likelihood of targeted inspections
• Pressure to improve prevention and reporting practices

Stronger Enforcement on Silica Exposure

OSHA continues to prioritize respirable crystalline silica enforcement, especially in construction, manufacturing, and mining. Employers should review exposure control plans and industrial hygiene practices to reduce risk and maintain compliance.

New Standards Under Development

OSHA has proposed the development of new rules in two critical areas:

• Workplace Violence Prevention, applicable to healthcare and social services with broader implications for employer safety programs. While this proposed standard was recently shifted to long-term action status on OSHA’s agenda, employers must still take steps to prevent workplace violence under the general duty clause.
• Infectious Disease Preparedness, expanding beyond COVID-19 to cover pandemic readiness and response. Until this proposed rule is developed and finalized, other standards apply, including bloodborne pathogens, respiratory protection and other personal protection, and the general duty clause.

In general, employers should anticipate enforcement of requirements for prevention strategies, training, and incident response in 2026.

More Inspections Ahead

With increased federal funding, OSHA is expected to expand its inspection capacity in 2026, with more activity around:

• National Emphasis Programs on heat, falls, and warehousing
• Whistleblower investigations with faster response times
• High-risk industries where incident rates remain elevated

Employers should conduct proactive audits and reinforce safety programs to ensure inspection readiness.

Preparing for 2026: Employer Strategies

To get ahead of OSHA’s 2026 priorities, organizations should:

• Conduct a compliance gap analysis before year-end
• Update training and reporting systems for recordkeeping compliance
• Refresh heat illness prevention and industrial hygiene programs
• Invest in wellness and mental health resources as new rules take shape

How WorkCare Supports Compliance and Safety

WorkCare helps employers protect their workforce and simplify compliance through services including:

• On-site clinical services to manage injuries and illnesses in real time
• Telehealth triage for immediate incident guidance
• Industrial hygiene and ergonomic consulting to reduce exposure risks
• Case management and reporting support to ease OSHA compliance
• Wellness and mental health programs to address regulatory priorities

By combining compliance expertise with a people-first approach, WorkCare helps organizations prepare for OSHA’s 2026 priorities while supporting the health and safety of every worker.

DOWNLOAD OUR 2026 OSHA COMPLIANCE GUIDE

Final Thoughts

OSHA’s 2026 agenda makes one thing clear: targeted enforcement is increasing and hazard exposure prevention is essential. Employers who act now will minimize risk, build stronger safety cultures, and demonstrate their commitment to workforce well-being.

Related Reading

OSHA Launches Success Pathway for Voluntary Protection Programs

OSHA Proposes Flexible Respirator Standards for High-Hazard Substances

What to Know: How and When to Ask OSHA for an Opinion

OSHA Lowers Penalties for Small Businesses to Ease Compliance Burdens and Promote Hazard Abatement