October 27, 2026
OSHA launches safety alliance, awards $10.2M for training 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)
HazCom deadline for employers is weeks away
Employers have until November 20, 2026, to meet the next requirement under OSHA's updated Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard. By that date, employers must update any alternative workplace labels, revise their written hazard communication program and train employees on newly identified hazards for chemical substances. The date reflects a four-month extension the agency published in January, although later deadlines for chemical mixtures follow in 2027 and 2028.
New alliance hopes to prevent serious injuries and fatalities
On September 29, 2026, OSHA signed a two-year agreement, forming the SIF Prevention Alliance with the American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Society of Safety Professionals, National Safety Council and the University of Colorado Boulder's Construction Safety Research Alliance. The partners plan to develop serious injury and fatality (SIF) prevention resources in multiple languages, deliver joint training at industry events and brief OSHA and state consultation staff.
OSHA awards $10.2M in training grants, including several for Texas
OSHA awarded about $10.2 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to 67 organizations. The grants fund instructor-led training for employers and employees at small businesses in high-hazard industries. Several recipients will provide training in Texas, including fall prevention, heat illness and electrical hazard programs from the El Paso County Community College District, Texas State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Organization of Hispanic Contractors. Small employers can watch for training from these grantees in the coming year and browse past grantee materials, including versions in other languages, on OSHA's website.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH highlights suicide prevention framework for construction
Construction employees are five times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace injury. To help contractors build suicide prevention programs, a NIOSH Science Bulletin features a low-cost framework called COMPASS (Construction Organizations Mobilizing for Peer Support and Suicide Safety). COMPASS uses three levels of training: a one-hour awareness session that can be split into five toolbox talks, a four-hour course for volunteer peer connectors and advanced intervention training for a smaller group.
Study estimates millions of employees work in isolation
NIOSH researchers combined occupational survey data with Bureau of Labor Statistics employment figures to estimate how many U.S. employees work alone or with little human contact. In 2023, physical isolation affected between 7 million and 36 million employees, most often in forestry, oil and gas well sites, heavy trucks and hotels. Social isolation affected 2 million to 10 million, with food preparation, landscaping and warehousing among the most common settings. Because a fast response matters in a medical emergency, employers with lone or remote employees can set up regular check-ins and a clear way to call for help.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
Report finds higher return to work rates for network claims
DWC's Workers' Compensation Research and Evaluation Group published its 2026 network report card in September, comparing 22 certified health care networks with non-network claims for injuries between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025. Injured employees treated in networks had a 90% return-to-work rate, compared with 81% for non-network claims. Network claims also averaged lower health care costs, $2,941 versus $3,297, along with faster access to care and higher satisfaction.