September 30, 2026
OSHA’s 2026 most cited standards, overdose response guidance and more
To help you stay ahead of the curve, The Safety Pulse provides a monthly recap of safety-related news. Each edition brings you the latest trends, resources, regulation updates and more, all in one place. We’re here to help you stay informed, compliant and safe.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Fall protection tops OSHA's most cited standards for 16th year
OSHA announced its preliminary list of the 10 most frequently cited standards for fiscal year 2026 during the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo. General fall protection requirements in construction led the list for the 16th year in a row with 4,041 violations, followed by hazard communication, lockout/tagout, scaffolding and ladders. The same 10 standards made the list as last year, providing a practical starting point for a self-audit.
Guidance on responding to opioid overdoses at work
OSHA released a new fact sheet, Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications, to help employers prepare for overdose emergencies on the job. The guidance recommends storing FDA-approved reversal medications such as naloxone in visible, easy-to-reach spots near first-aid kits and AEDs. It also calls for training employees to recognize warning signs like slow or stopped breathing, blue lips and unresponsiveness. The agency stresses that reversal medications do not replace emergency services, so responders should always call 911 immediately.
OSHA previews upcoming rules on heat, lockout/tagout and emergency response
During the recent Safety Congress & Expo, an OSHA director said that the agency plans to issue a supplemental proposed rule on heat injury and illness prevention in the coming months, which would open a new public comment period. Additionally, a modernized lockout/tagout rule could follow later this year or early next year, and an updated emergency response rule may appear as early as April. OSHA also expanded its “quick fix” policy for citations, which can reduce penalties when employers correct hazards promptly during an inspection.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH warns about counterfeit respirator filters and cartridges
Since January 2025, NIOSH has taken action to remove more than 1,000 online listings for respirator products that misuse its approval marks, including N95 and P100. In a pilot study of components that misused the marks, 220 of 240 P100 filters and all 124 combination cartridges failed required performance tests. Employers should be aware that using an unapproved filter or cartridge on a NIOSH-approved respirator voids its approval. NIOSH recommends checking replacement parts against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List before buying, especially from online marketplaces.
New World screwworm resources for outdoor employers (PDF)
New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that lays eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, was confirmed in Texas livestock in June for the first time in decades. NIOSH released fact sheets for agricultural producers, outdoor employers and their employees on preventing infestations and using insecticides safely when treating animals, with several available in Spanish. Human cases are uncommon, but employees who work around livestock and wildlife should know what to watch for and seek medical care for any suspicious wound. Suspected cases in Texas livestock can be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission at (800) 550-8242.
New construction toolbox talks
NIOSH added five construction toolbox talks in August covering boom trucks, confined spaces, overhead power lines, scaffolds and skid steer loaders, along with a fire safety talk with prevention tips for construction worksites. Each one is a short handout with safety tips that crews can walk through together before a shift. With Fire Prevention Month starting in October, the fire safety talk is a timely addition to upcoming safety meetings.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC adopts new return-to-work guidelines effective October 1 (PDF)
DWC adopted amendments to 28 Texas Administrative Code Section 137.10, making the disability duration values in the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) by MCG Health the state's official return-to-work guidelines. They replace the MDGuidelines, formerly known as the Medical Disability Advisor. The change applies to any determination of an injured employee's ability to return to work conducted on or after October 1, 2026. Employers can use the new guidelines as a benchmark when planning modified duty and return-to-work conversations with injured employees.