Category: Uncategorized

  • DOL Rule Alert: OSHA Outreach Training Program and the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program Forms; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements (2026-06-10)

    OSHA Training Program Forms Update: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

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    Understanding the New OSHA Regulatory Update

    In June 2026, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an important regulatory update affecting workplace safety training documentation. The Department of Labor has extended the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval for information collection requirements related to the OSHA Outreach Training Program and the OSHA Training Institute Education Centers Program Forms.

    While this may sound like bureaucratic language, the implications are significant for small business owners and HR managers. This update means that OSHA has renewed its authority to collect specific data and documentation from employers who participate in or utilize OSHA’s training programs. The extension ensures continuity of these important safety training initiatives and maintains standardized reporting requirements across the country.

    Which Businesses Does This Rule Affect?

    This regulation primarily impacts employers in several categories. First, any organization that participates in OSHA’s Outreach Training Program must comply with the updated documentation requirements. Second, businesses that work with OSHA Training Institute Education Centers for employee safety training need to understand these forms.

    Small to medium-sized businesses in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries with significant safety protocols are most directly affected. However, any employer offering OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour training courses should be aware of these requirements. Companies that hire third-party trainers certified through OSHA’s programs also fall under this umbrella.

    What Employers Must Do to Comply

    Compliance centers on proper documentation and information collection procedures. Employers must ensure they’re using the correct OSHA forms when enrolling in or reporting on training program participation. This includes accurate record-keeping of trainee information, course completion data, and program outcomes.

    The updated forms serve to standardize how employers report safety training participation across all states and industries. Your organization must maintain detailed records of who completed training, when they completed it, and which specific OSHA courses were taken. This documentation becomes crucial during OSHA inspections or safety audits.

    Three Practical Compliance Steps for Your Business

    Step 1: Audit Your Current Training Documentation

    Review all existing OSHA training records and documentation. Verify that your forms align with the updated OMB-approved versions. Using BambooHR HR software can streamline this process by centralizing all employee training records in one searchable database, making compliance audits significantly easier.

    Step 2: Update Your Employment Documentation Templates

    Ensure your employment agreements and training policies reference the correct OSHA forms and procedures. LegalZoom employment agreements can be customized to include updated safety training requirements and documentation acknowledgments.

    Step 3: Train Your HR Team on New Procedures

    Educate your human resources staff about the updated forms and filing requirements. Ensure they understand which documents apply to your specific industry and training programs. Schedule quarterly reviews to maintain ongoing compliance with these evolving requirements.

    Next Steps

    Visit the Federal Register document (2026-11553) for complete details about this extension. If your company participates in OSHA training programs, access the updated forms from OSHA’s official website and implement changes immediately. Consider consulting with an employment lawyer if you need clarification on how these requirements apply to your specific business situation.


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  • DOL Rule Alert: Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Comment Request; Administration of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (2026-06-10)

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    New DOL Longshore Workers’ Compensation Rule: A Guide for Small Business Owners and HR Managers

    The Department of Labor recently published a significant update regarding the Administration of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. If your business operates near waterways or employs maritime workers, this regulatory change directly affects your compliance obligations. Let’s break down what this means for your organization and how to prepare.

    What Is This New Department of Labor Rule?

    The Department of Labor’s Workers’ Compensation Programs Office has proposed an extension of information collection requirements under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). This rule streamlines reporting and documentation procedures while reducing administrative burden on employers and workers. The DOL is seeking public comment on these proposed changes to ensure the collection process is efficient, clear, and minimally burdensome for all parties involved.

    The primary goal is to modernize how employers report worker compensation data, making the process more straightforward while maintaining compliance with federal standards. This update reflects the DOL’s commitment to reducing unnecessary paperwork while preserving worker protections.

    Which Businesses Are Affected by This Rule?

    This regulation specifically impacts employers in maritime and harbor-related industries, including:

    • Shipping and dock operations
    • Marine construction companies
    • Port authorities and terminal operators
    • Vessel repair and maintenance facilities
    • Longshore operations and stevedoring companies
    • Any business with employees covered under LHWCA

    If you employ workers in these sectors, understanding and implementing this rule is essential to avoid penalties and ensure your workers receive proper compensation coverage.

    What Must Employers Do to Comply?

    Under this extended rule, employers must maintain accurate documentation of worker injuries, illnesses, and compensation claims. You’ll need to report information in the format specified by the DOL, ensuring data is submitted timely and completely. The updated requirements aim to simplify this process while maintaining federal oversight of worker safety and compensation standards.

    Your HR team plays a crucial role in managing these compliance requirements. Implementing proper documentation systems and training staff on reporting procedures is essential for meeting these obligations.

    Three Practical Compliance Steps

    Step 1: Audit Your Current Documentation Systems

    Review how your company currently records worker compensation data. Ensure your systems capture all required information in an organized, retrievable format. Using HR management software like BambooHR HR software can help automate documentation and ensure consistency across your organization.

    Step 2: Update Employment Agreements and Policies

    Review and update your employment agreements to reflect current LHWCA requirements. Consider using LegalZoom employment agreements to ensure your contracts include proper workers’ compensation language and comply with federal standards.

    Step 3: Train Your HR Team

    Conduct training sessions with your HR and management staff on the new reporting requirements. Ensure everyone understands submission deadlines, required documentation, and proper procedures for handling injury claims. This foundational knowledge prevents costly mistakes.

    Moving Forward

    Staying ahead of DOL regulations protects your business, your workers, and your bottom line. The extended LHWCA information collection requirements represent an opportunity to strengthen your compliance infrastructure. Start implementing these steps today to ensure smooth operations and full regulatory compliance.

    For more details on this rule, visit the Federal Register notice.


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