Government Affairs & Advocacy Updates
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Advisory Group Updates
Our Advisory Group has direct input and communication with the Board of Directors. The group informs board decisions and communicates member needs, concerns and suggestions to the board.
| October 2025 ASSP supports evidence-based policy decisions and engages with policymakers to ensure our members’ voices are part of important deliberations. ASSP also supports efforts to grow public awareness of environmental health and safety. |
| TOP STORIES |
| David Keeling Confirmed as OSHA Assistant Secretary ASSP member David Keeling has been confirmed by the Senate as OSHA Assistant Secretary. He brings nearly 40 years of EHS experience and plans to modernize standards, strengthen collaboration and advance risk-based, data-informed oversights that target serious hazards and prevent injuries and fatalities. |
| Government Shutdown Impacts OSHA & Federal Safety Programs As of Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government entered a shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. According to the DOL Contingency Plan, OSHA is expected to furlough over 1,200 of its employees. Only those performing tasks necessary to protect life and property remain on duty, leading to the suspension of most OSHA operations, including inspections, guidance issuance and non-statutory support activities. (see details under “Shutdown Watch” below) |
| Senate Panel Backs Level Funding for OSHA, House Proposes Cuts for NIOSH In early Sept., House appropriators proposed FY 2026 cuts to OSHA and NIOSH, while the Senate advanced a bill maintaining current funding levels. The chambers did not reach agreement before the Sept. 30 deadline, contributing to the Oct. 1 government shutdown. |
| SHUTDOWN WATCH |
| Because of the funding lapse, OSHA’s Federal Register and regulatory webpages remain frozen; the site shows its last update was Oct. 1, 2025. OSHA has indicated that only essential functions will continue (e.g. imminent danger responses, statutorily required enforcement), while support, outreach, training and many notice-and-comment rulemaking tasks may be delayed. This pause could slow the momentum on rulemakings (heat, respirator updates, etc.) and reduce capacity to respond to emerging hazards or industry inquiries. Stay tuned for more information. |
| OTHER NEWS |
| OSHA Semiannual Agenda Highlights Future Rulemaking Priorities The Fall 2025 Semiannual Agenda outlines OSHA’s upcoming priorities beyond the Heat Injury NPRM, including updates to the General Duty Clause, Lockout/Tagout, chemical hazard communication and silica standards. It also signals ongoing guidance, training and enforcement initiatives. These plans were published before the government shutdown on Oct. 1, which may temporarily delay agency action. |
| OSHA Proposes Limiting General Duty Clause Enforcement for Inherently Risky Activities OSHA’s proposed rule seeks to clarify the General Duty Clause by excluding enforcement for hazards deemed inherent and inseparable from certain professional activities. This includes professions like live entertainment, professional sports and high-risk recreation. The public comment period has been extended to Nov. 1, 2025, allowing stakeholders additional time to provide input. |
| OSHA Extends Comment Period for Heat Injury/Illness Prevention Rule OSHA’s proposed rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in both indoor and outdoor settings remains open for comment. After stakeholder requests, the agency extended the post-hearing comment deadline to Oct. 30, 2025. |
| OSHA Extends Comment Period Through Nov. 1 for COVID-19 Healthcare Rule Proposal OSHA is seeking to remove the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and its reporting requirements. After stakeholder requests, the agency extended the comment deadline to Nov. 1, 2025. |
| AMERICA DRIVES Act Seeks National Framework for Autonomous Freight Trucks Rep. Vince Fong introduced the AMERICA DRIVES Act on July 23, 2025, to establish consistent federal standards for Level 4 and 5 autonomous commercial trucks. The legislation supports safe integration of autonomous technologies into freight transportation, with potential workforce implications that industry stakeholders are monitoring. |
| ADVOCACY UPDATES |
| ASSP Recognizes Important Role of Government in EHS Several ASSP position statements affirm ASSP’s stance on the role of government in occupational environmental, health and safety: The Role of Voluntary National Consensus Standards in Occupational Safety and Health Government Recognition Programs for Occupational Safety and Health The Role of Government in Occupational Safety and Health Support for Occupational Safety and Health Activity by the Public Sector Universal Coverage of Government Employees |
| ASSP Participates in OSHA Alliance Forum On Sept. 3, 2025, ASSP represented member voices at OSHA’s 8th Annual Alliance Program Forum in Washington, D.C. The event spotlighted emerging safety issues, and ASSP was recognized for partnering on new noise-exposure resources that help shape national safety priorities. |
| Take Action: Support the CSB In response to the proposed defunding of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Board, ASSP has created talking points to help members advocate for continued support. Access them in our advocacy toolkit to speak with your lawmakers. |
| STANDARDS UPDATES |
| Voluntary consensus standards provide industry-leading guidance on hazard prevention, risk management and best practices — especially in areas where regulations may not exist. Stay informed on the latest developments shaping the profession. |
| OSHA Proposes “Standards Improvement Project 2025” to Trim 40+ Provisions On Sept. 18, OSHA published a rulemaking proposal aimed at narrowing or eliminating more than 40 regulatory provisions it considers outdated or burdensome. This signal aligns with the broader deregulatory agenda. |
| ISO/TC 283 Update: Shaping the Future of Occupational Environmental, Health & Safety ISO/TC 283 is actively working on revising ISO 45001, aiming to embed critical topics such as well-being, psychosocial hazards, technology and supply chain safety into the core occupational health and safety framework. This revision reflects the evolving landscape of work and the need for updated safety standards. |