Because our lawmakers were unable to resolve their differences over the federal budget, the United States federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025, and continues to be shutdown. As a result, approximately 750,000 employees are on unpaid leave, and the shutdown has created much uncertainly for various federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Most OSHA employees have been furloughed, and many functions have been suspended. The Department of Labor has indicated that OSHA will suspend activities in the following areas: compliance assistance, outreach programs, training classes, technical assistance, and rulemaking, as well as financial and other administrative efforts. Additionally, OSHA’s Health Review Commission is also closed during the shutdown, which will cause delays in hearings and settlements.
A subset of OSHA employees are available to continue investigating and addressing workplace situations involving imminent threat to human life, workplace fatalities, and catastrophes. The agency will also continue to review whistleblower complaints.
Not surprisingly, the shutdown does not change an employer’s obligations. Employers must still comply with OSHA standards and meet their reporting deadlines. Contest and abatement deadlines will also continue during the shutdown.
Takeaways
- Employers should still comply with applicable OSHA standards during the shutdown.
- There will likely be delays in active litigation, hearings, mediations, and settlement discussions.
- State run occupational safety and health agencies continue to operate during the shutdown.
