North America

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: North America
• Date: 17th August 2026
• Year: 2026

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) have announced a Statement of Shared Principles aimed at strengthening safe digging awareness, supporting consistent industry guidance and promoting best practices for contacting 811 before digging and operating equipment around underground infrastructure. 

As an initial action under the agreement, the organisations are recommending that manufacturers of non-highway equipment add an 811 reminder decal to machinery that could unintentionally dig into underground utilities.

Contact with buried utilities can cause power outages and service interruptions, while also exposing equipment operators and bystanders to serious injury or death. The decal is intended to remind operators to contact 811 and have underground utilities marked before starting work.

Under the recommendation, the decal could appear on all applicable new equipment sold into the US market by August 2027.

"Our members build the machines that build, feed and power the world, and safety is central to that work," said Megan Tanel, AEM president and CEO. "Adding an 811 decal is a simple, visible way for equipment manufacturers to remind operators to contact 811 before digging or working near underground infrastructure. We are proud to work with CGA to help share this important safety message across the industry."

Endorsed by the boards of both organisations, the best practice positions equipment operators as the last line of defence against underground utility strikes. In 2025, an estimated 213,985 damages to underground infrastructure were reported across the United States.

The initiative supports CGA’s goal of reducing damage to underground infrastructure while helping keep workers and communities safe and connected to critical utilities.

"Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility, and this best practice will remind equipment operators closest to the dig to contact 811 before starting their work," said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of the Common Ground Alliance. "When non-road equipment manufacturers stand with us, we reach operators before a shovel ever hits the ground. That's how we reduce our top driver of damages every year, which is failure to contact 811 before digging."

The recommendation covers both new and existing equipment. Participating manufacturers will apply the decal to new machines during production, while owners of equipment already in the field can request a no-cost licence from CGA to reproduce the official 811 decal and retrofit their fleets.

Safe digging is not limited to construction activities. Farmers and other agricultural operators can also encounter underground lines in fields, farmyards and rural rights-of-way. The initiative therefore seeks to reinforce the same safety practice across industries where equipment may dig, pull or impact underground infrastructure.

"As manufacturers, we provide the equipment, so we have a role to play in reminding every operator to contact 811 if the ground is not clearly marked for utilities," said Kevin Thomas, executive vice president, Industrial Equipment Division, at Alamo Group Inc. and 2027 show Chair of The Utility Expo. "Attendees can expect to see this decal on equipment across the show floor at The Utility Expo 2027 — a clear signal that our industry takes damage prevention seriously."

The Statement of Shared Principles extends beyond the decal initiative, with AEM and CGA committing to continued cooperation on consistent safety guidance, industry education and practical measures to help prevent damage to underground infrastructure.

The 811 reminder decal is an early action under the partnership, providing manufacturers, equipment owners and operators with a visible reminder to check for underground utilities before beginning work.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 17th August 2026
• Year: 2026

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.2 million essential workers across North America, has issued a statement following a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showing that July was the hottest month since records began, surpassing the previous record set during the Dust Bowl in 1936.

The statement comes amid reports that the US administration is considering changes to workplace heat standards established by the US Department of Labor and a reduction in heat safety enforcement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

UFCW International President Milton Jones said: "Whether a UFCW member works in harvesting at a meatpacking plant in the summertime or fulfilling grocery orders outside in the sun, heat poses a potentially fatal risk to every worker. Common sense policies to protect workers from extreme temperatures would save hundreds of lives a year, yet only seven states have implemented a heat standard."

"Despite the progress made to establish a federal standard, the Trump administration has made it clear that it intends to side with big businesses fighting these protections rather than workers in danger of heat-related illness and death."

"We have just lived through the hottest month on record. Workers urgently need standards and accountability from their employers as summer temperatures last longer and become more intense. But without a federal standard, many employers do not offer the breaks, hydration, and resources needed. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have an opportunity to do the right thing instead of bowing to special interests and leaving workers at risk. It is not too late to reverse course and implement a national heat standard that protects every working person in this new climate reality."

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 13th August 2026
• Year: 2026

Creating a blame-free  environment where employees can report any safety concerns or unsafe practices without fear of reprisal is critical for a good safety culture and strong safety performance. However, all too often employees are effectively punished for doing so

US employees who believe they are retaliated against for exercising their legal rights can file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA. OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program enforces protections for employees who suffer retaliation for engaging in protected activities under more than 20 federal laws.

OSHA highlights a case where a public transit employee noticed some damage on the tracks that could cause railcars to derail if left unrepaired. After reporting the hazard, the employee's manager said there wasn't time to make repairs because service would be disrupted. The manager then reassigned the employee to the night shift and removed them from rail repair work.

The employee filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA. An investigation found that the site manager's actions violated the National Transit Systems Security Act, which protects public transportation workers from retaliation for reporting potential safety or security violations. As a result, the employee's original work schedule was restored, and the track damage was reported to the Federal Transit Administration.

“This case is a reminder that workplace safety is a shared responsibility,” says OSHA. “Workers have the right to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation, and speaking up can help prevent serious incidents before they happen.”

OSHA has published guidance to help employers create workplaces that are free from retaliation, highlighting five key elements:

1.Management commitment

Managers need to lead by example and ensure that systems for reporting concerns, anti-retaliation policies and practices, and training for managers are implemented, enforced and evaluated. Make use of strong codes of conduct and ethics programmes to identify retaliatory behaviour as a form of misconduct.

2. Compliance concern response system

Create an environment where raising concerns about workplace conditions and activities is comfortable for all employees. Have at least one to allow anonymous or confidential reporting, respond in a timely manner, and provide fair and transparent resolution to concerns.

3. Anti-retaliation response system

Take all concerns seriously. Make the process to report concerns known and clear, investigate claims objectively and listen to all sides before making a judgement, ensuring that employees are not discouraged from reporting concerns.

4. Anti-retaliation training

Effective anti-retaliation training should give employees the knowledge, skills, and tools they need, as well as explain the employer’s commitment to complying with the law, employee rights, an overview of the employer’s anti-retaliation programme, and what constitutes retaliation.

5. Programme oversight

Rigorous oversight is needed to ensure an anti-retaliation programme is effective. Develop a plan for oversight, review findings and modify and improve the programme as needed.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 30th July 2026
• Year: 2026

The offshore marine contracting industry should place greater emphasis on preventing serious injuries and fatalities by identifying high-consequence hazards before they result in tragedy, according to the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the international body 

The latest Annual Safety Statistics report from the IMCA, which covers more than 1.02 billion working hours submitted by 167 contractor members, reveals that, while injury rates continue to improve, the number of fatalities has risen. Injury rates alone cannot therefore provide a complete picture of risk, with fatal accidents a continued threat across the offshore marine contracting industry.

Key messages

Key messages from the 2025 data include:

Injury rates improved

Contractor members reported 268 lost-time injuries and 996 total recordable injuries during 2025. This represents a fall in Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) from 0.30 to 0.27 and a fall in the Total

Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) from 1.10 to 0.98. While this is good news, these indicators do not always show where fatal or life-changing harm could occur.

Fatalities rose

Fatalities rose from three to seven (four of which are offshore), representing an increase in the Fatal Accident Rate (FAR) from 0.30 to 0.69. Reported fatal incidents included an electrocution, a fall from height and a mooring incident involving a parted rope, while details of four additional fatalities were not provided. This reinforces the need to look beyond headline injury rates and focus more directly on serious injury and fatality prevention. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on identifying high-consequences hazards before they result in tragedy, rather than relying on traditional performance measures.

Line of fire remained the leading cause of LTIs

Line of fire remained the most common cause of LTIs in 2025 and a recurring serious harm concern. This needs to be broken down into the work situations where people are exposed to harmful energy. These include lifting and rigging, mooring, moving equipment, dropped objects, stored energy, suspended loads, and tasks where hands or body parts are placed in hazardous positions. The key issue is not only awareness, but whether work is planned and controlled so people are not placed in the path of harmful energy. This includes hands-free working, exclusion zones, tag line use, lifting control, equipment design, communication, supervision, and stop-work confidence.

Safety observation reporting fell significantly

The Safety Observation Frequency Rate (SOFR) fell from 482.1 to 387.1 observations per 200,000 hours worked, down by around 20%. The reasons remain unclear and could include changes in reporting behaviour, participating companies or reporting systems. However, the IMCA believes companies should focus less on the volume of observation cards submitted and more on whether observations generate meaningful learning, practical improvements and stronger safety conversations.

Serious incidents continue to occur during familiar activities

Many of the industry’s most serious incidents continue to occur during familiar activities rather than exceptional operations, reinforcing the importance of effective planning, supervision and risk management every day.

Areas requiring attention

The IMCA identifies several recurring areas requiring continued attention, including:
• line-of-fire hazards
• lifting and rigging operations
• dropped objects
• mooring and snap-back zones
• working at height
• electrical safety
• routine day-to-day tasks.

Priorities for future safety

The findings will now directly shape IMCA’s future safety programme, with priorities including:
• strengthening serious injury and fatality prevention,
• improving understanding of line-of-fire risks,
• investigating the decline in safety observations,
• encouraging wider industry participation in safety reporting, and
• strengthening the link between Safety Flashes, guidance and practical action.

The IMCA helps the report will help companies identify serious risks earlier, strengthen critical controls and share learning across the offshore marine contracting industry.

Mark Holmes, safety and security manager at IMCA, said, “Every fatality represents a person, a family and a workforce affected by loss. While the continued improvement in injury rates is encouraging and reflects the hard work of our Members, these figures demonstrate that serious harm risks remain present despite improving injury statistics.

“Safety performance should no longer be judged primarily by injury frequency rates, but by how effectively companies identify and control the hazards most likely to result in death or life-changing injury.
“Every contractor, supervisor and worker has a responsibility to recognise serious risks before they become tragedies. The goal remains the same: everyone working in our industry should go home safe and well.”

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: North America
• Date: 14th July 2026
• Year: 2026

SPS North America has been recognised among North America's Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces for 2026 by the Inspiring Workplaces Group, acknowledging organisations that cultivate workplace cultures built on trust, purpose, inclusion and employee experience.

The recognition reflects the company's sustained investment in programmes that support employee engagement, leadership development, wellbeing, learning and communication for its nearly 3,000 employees across North America.

Employee investment delivers measurable results

SPS earned the recognition for its people-first strategy, which has driven improvements in employee engagement, professional development and business performance.

Over the past year, employee satisfaction increased by seven points, while participation in the company's annual employee survey reached 89%, demonstrating high levels of engagement and trust across the workforce.

Employees completed more than 209,000 learning enrolments and accumulated over 100,000 hours of professional development, reinforcing the company's focus on continuous learning and career advancement.

These workforce investments also supported strong business performance, contributing to a 95% client retention rate, a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 79 and a customer satisfaction score of 91% for service delivery.

"Creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered is fundamental to how we deliver for our clients," said Valerie Mahoney, CHRO, North America, SPS. "We're committed to investing in leadership, learning, wellbeing, and open communication because exceptional employee experiences drive exceptional client experiences. We're honored to be recognized among North America's most inspiring workplace."

Recognition highlights people-focused strategy

The company was recognised for its integrated approach to employee engagement, leadership development, wellbeing, continuous learning and internal communication across its geographically dispersed workforce.

Presented in association with Engagedly, the Inspiring Workplaces Awards assess organisations across six key areas: Culture & Purpose, Leadership, Wellbeing, Inclusion & Belonging, Employee Voice and Employee Experience.

Commenting on this year's winners, Matt Manners, Founder of Inspiring Workplaces Group, said recognised organisations demonstrate that "when businesses put People First and build cultures based on trust, inclusion and belonging, they create the resilience and agility needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world of work."

Strengthening workplace culture across North America

SPS has developed a scalable workplace culture that supports nearly 3,000 employees serving clients at more than 480 locations across over 120 cities throughout North America. The company's approach centres on employee engagement, professional development, wellbeing and fostering a sense of belonging.

Its strategy is further supported by findings from the 2026 State of the Workplace report, co-authored with WORKTECH Academy, which found that engaged employees create greater value for clients, strengthen collaboration with colleagues and contribute to improved business performance. The findings reinforce SPS' view that investing in employee experience benefits employees, clients and the wider communities they serve.

Continued recognition

The latest honour adds to SPS' recent industry recognition, including being named Most Innovative Company of the Year at the American Business Awards, inclusion in IAOP's Global Outsourcing 100 for the 13th consecutive year, and recognition for Best Corporate Training Program at the Globee Awards. Together, these achievements reflect the company's continued focus on innovation, employee development and delivering high-quality client experiences.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 7th July 2026
• Year: 2026

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced US$12.7mn in grants through the Susan Harwood Training Grants Program for training and education to help workers and employers identify and prevent workplace safety and health hazards

Administered by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the grants aim to advance the job quality of the American workforce by providing instructor-led training opportunities for workers and employers in small businesses with an emphasis on industries with high injury, illness, and fatality rates, and those facing barriers to accessing safety and health training.

The grants will fund training and education on hazard awareness, avoidance, and controls to protect workers from on-the-job hazards, and to inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Applicants may apply in the following categories:
– Targeted topic training: Support educational programs that identify and prevent workplace hazards and require applicants to conduct training on OSHA-designated workplace safety and health hazards.
– Training and educational materials development: Support the development of quality classroom-ready training and educational materials that identify and prevent workplace hazards.

The grants are available to non-profit organisations, including community-based, faith-based, grassroots organisations, employer associations, labour unions, joint labour/management associations, Indian tribes, and public/state colleges and universities; entities that operate OSHA On-Site Consultation programmes; and OSHA Training Institute Education Centers.

Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 31, 2026. Applicants must register with Grants.gov and sam.gov to apply.

The grants honour the legacy and work of Dr. Susan Harwood who helped develop OSHA standards on critical worker protections related to bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead in construction. Harwood was also primary author of OSHA's cotton dust standard which virtually eliminated byssinosis – a lung disease that causes asthma-like symptoms – among textile workers.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 20th May 2026
• Year: 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded its 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction earlier this month, encouraging employers and workers across the United States to strengthen awareness around fall hazards and workplace safety practices.

Held from 4-8 May 2026, the nationwide initiative focused on reducing falls, which remain one of the leading causes of fatalities within the construction sector. The campaign promoted greater emphasis on planning, employee training and hazard identification to improve safety performance on jobsites.

Throughout the week, employers were encouraged to temporarily halt work activities and conduct safety-focused sessions, including toolbox talks, fall prevention training, hazard recognition exercises and equipment demonstrations. Particular attention was given to risks linked to roofing operations, scaffolding and ladder use.

Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health David Keeling participated in a Stand-Down event held at the Henry Bacon Ball Field on the National Mall, where several infrastructure and construction projects are underway. OSHA representatives also attended events organised in different parts of the country.

The initiative formed part of OSHA’s wider Fall Prevention Campaign and was delivered in collaboration with organisations including The Center for Construction Research and Training, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the NORA Construction Sector Council.

OSHA also announced plans to strengthen cooperation with Construction Safety Week through a new alliance aimed at supporting worker wellbeing and preventing serious incidents across the construction project lifecycle.

Since its launch in 2012, the Stand-Down campaign has helped train millions of workers and promote stronger safety awareness throughout the industry.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 24th April 2026
• Year: 2026

The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a New Mexico-based inspection company to reinstate and compensate a terminated worker who reported safety concerns during installation of a natural gas pipeline in Watonga, Oklahoma

The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated a whistleblower complaint filed against Legacy Energy and Distribution LLC that alleged a construction crew was installing a pipeline without following federal regulations. The complainant used “stop work authority” to halt the installation and contacted an independent, third-party testing company to verify observed concerns, which Legacy later confirmed as valid. Legacy subsequently fired the inspector, alleging failure to follow the established chain of command and complete the probationary period.

OSHA determined that Legacy wrongfully terminated the inspector for engaging in protected activities under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, which protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of federal laws related to pipeline safety and security. OSHA ordered Legacy to reinstate the employee and pay back wages, interest, and compensatory damages, totalling more than US$35,000.

OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program enforces protections for employees who suffer retaliation for engaging in protected activities under more than 20 federal laws.

All federal agencies are required to establish procedures to ensure that no employee suffers retaliation for reporting unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, or for otherwise engaging in safety or health activities.

Federal employees who believe that they have suffered retaliation for disclosing a violation of a law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, and/or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, may file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).

• Topic: Technology
• Region: North America
• Date: 22nd April 2026
• Year: 2026

The global industrial safety products market is undergoing a fundamental shift as industries move beyond basic compliance towards more intelligent, preventative safety strategies.

Driven by advances in digital technologies and stricter regulatory frameworks, the sector is evolving into a critical enabler of operational performance.

Valued at US$17.67bn in 2026, the market is projected to reach US$34.96bn by 2036, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. This growth reflects increasing demand for solutions that not only protect workers but also actively reduce the likelihood of incidents.

At the centre of this transformation is the adoption of connected personal protective equipment (PPE), real-time compliance monitoring and ergonomically designed safety systems. These technologies are enabling organisations to shift from reactive safety models to predictive approaches, where risks can be identified and mitigated before they escalate.

One of the strongest trends shaping the market is the integration of ergonomic design with digital compliance tools. Equipment embedded with sensors or RFID capabilities allows supervisors to monitor usage and adherence to safety protocols in real time. This combination of comfort and accountability is proving essential in improving worker adoption, particularly in high-risk industries where non-compliance remains a persistent challenge.

In parallel, the rise of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies is redefining hazard detection. Modern safety systems now incorporate interconnected sensors capable of tracking environmental and operational risks such as gas leaks, heat exposure and proximity to machinery. These systems can trigger automated responses when thresholds are exceeded, enhancing safety outcomes across sectors including oil and gas, mining and heavy manufacturing.

Sustainability is also emerging as a key consideration. As environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements become more stringent, manufacturers are increasingly turning to recyclable materials and bio-based alternatives for safety equipment. This shift is particularly relevant for high-volume items such as gloves and high-visibility clothing, where reducing environmental impact without compromising durability is a growing priority.

Regionally, the United States continues to play a leading role, supported by strong regulatory enforcement and rapid uptake of digital safety technologies. However, the fastest growth is expected in emerging industrial markets. India is forecast to record the highest expansion rate through 2036, driven by large-scale infrastructure and manufacturing development, while China is also advancing steadily as it transitions towards more technologically sophisticated production environments. Germany remains a hub for innovation, particularly in precision-engineered machine safety and specialised protective solutions.

As the industry evolves, safety products are increasingly viewed not as a compliance cost but as a strategic investment. The convergence of PPE, detection systems and software platforms into integrated safety ecosystems is enabling organisations to enhance efficiency while safeguarding their workforce.

With continued innovation in connected technologies and advanced materials, the industrial safety market is set to play a central role in shaping the future of safe, resilient and high-performing industrial operations.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 27th March 2026
• Year: 2026

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced new initiatives designed to enhance workplace safety and health

They include the Safety Champions Program, a new cooperative initiative designed to help employers develop and implement effective safety and health programmes.

The Safety Champions Program has a focus on proactive prevention and continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, illness and fatalities. It emphasises seven key elements: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation, and communication. By incorporating these elements, employers can create safety and health programs that not only meet regulations but also enhance workplace safety and health.

The programme has three progressive levels, each aligned with OSHA's recommended practices for safety and health programmes. This structure is designed to allow employers to build their safety and health programmes over time and adopt best practices tailored to their needs and operations.

On completion of all three levels of the Safety Champions Program, participants are expected to have implemented all seven elements and show plans for continuous improvement of their safety and health programmes, thus demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

"The Department of Labor's new Safety Champions Program exemplifies the Trump Administration's commitment to supporting and empowering job creators," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. "By providing employers with these resources, we are putting American workers first and keeping them healthy and safe on the job."

Another new initiative is the OHSA Cares initiative, designed to help businesses meet federal requirements as well as building more effective safety and health programmes that benefit both employers and workers. It is aimed at supporting small and medium sized business in particular, strengthening collaboration between businesses and OSHA by increasing access to OSHA experts and compliance assistance specialists, improving access to educational and training materials, and offering consistent workplace assistance during enforcement visits and meetings.

The agency’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs is also launching a training programme that will standardise how the agency's compliance safety and health officers will offer real time assistance during inspections and enforcement activities.

• Date: 25th March 2026
• Year: 2026

Global organisations are increasing investment in workplace safety as injury rates remain persistently high, according to new research commissioned by Blackline Safety.

The study, conducted by NewtonX, surveyed 200 senior safety and operations professionals from companies with more than 500 employees. Findings show that 95% of safety leaders plan to sustain or increase spending over the next two years, reflecting growing concern over the scale of work-related incidents worldwide.

The results, published in the report Keeping People Safe: Global Data on the State of Workplace Safety, highlight a continued disconnect between safety strategies and on-the-ground practices. While 97% of respondents agree that strong safety performance underpins productivity, nearly two-thirds (64%) reported a gap between established protocols and actual worker behaviour.

Industry experts suggest that this divide is driven by fragmented systems, where people, processes and technology are not fully aligned. In many cases, safety frameworks are designed without sufficient input from frontline operations, limiting their effectiveness in real-world environments.

Christine Gillies, chief product and marketing officer at Blackline Safety, said the findings point to a shift in how organisations approach safety management. She noted that companies are increasingly moving beyond compliance-driven models towards integrated systems that embed safety into core operations.

The report identifies training and workforce engagement as top priorities for investment, cited by 46% and 41% of respondents respectively. Infrastructure upgrades to reduce risk, adoption of new technologies and internal advocacy for safety also feature prominently among budget allocations.

However, the research indicates that simply increasing training volume is not enough. Nearly one-third of respondents emphasised the importance of more relevant, continuous and interactive training programmes that foster trust and encourage two-way communication between workers and management.

Technology is also playing a growing role in shaping safety outcomes. Many organisations are deploying tools such as personal protective equipment, communication devices and digital monitoring systems. Yet confidence in these measures remains mixed, with only 36% of workers expressing strong trust in existing safety tools and procedures.

Artificial intelligence is expected to become a key enabler in the coming years. Around 65% of safety leaders anticipate wider adoption of AI-driven risk prediction tools, particularly in areas such as data analytics, training simulations and predictive risk management.

Despite these advances, the report highlights a missed opportunity in proactive risk prevention. While most organisations review incident reports, only a third are actively using predictive analytics to identify and mitigate potential hazards before they occur.

The findings underscore the need for a more integrated and forward-looking approach to workplace safety, combining technology, training and data to reduce risks and improve outcomes.

• Date: 25th February 2026
• Year: 2026

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new guidance on how work-related injuries linked to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries should be documented on OSHA Forms 300, 301, and 300-A.

The clarification comes amid increasing use of lithium-ion batteries across workplaces and their associated safety risks.

According to the letter of interpretation, any injury caused by a lithium-ion battery that meets the general recording criteria outlined in Section 1904.7 of OSHA’s Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses standard must be recorded on the agency’s logs. This guidance reinforces the importance of accurate recordkeeping for workplace incidents involving energy storage devices.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in personal electronics, tools, and industrial equipment, can present significant hazards. Potential risks include fires, explosions, and chemical exposure, which can occur during manufacturing, daily use, emergency response, disposal, or recycling. The letter underlines that awareness of these hazards is critical for employers aiming to maintain safe workplaces.

To mitigate risks, OSHA recommends a range of safety measures. These include implementing controls during battery design and production, ensuring proper ventilation, storing batteries in cool and dry conditions, monitoring storage areas for flammable or toxic gases, and using designated recycling facilities. Employers are also advised to provide safety showers and eyewash stations when employees handle battery materials.

A Letter of Interpretation represents OSHA’s official response to questions about how its regulations apply to specific workplace scenarios. While these letters do not create new obligations for employers, they offer an authoritative explanation of existing requirements and guidance on compliance. Stakeholders can use them to better understand federal standards, regulations, and Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The issuance of this letter follows the launch of OSHA’s opinion letter programme in June, designed to provide clearer compliance guidance for employers and workers. The initiative expands the department’s commitment to offering practical advice that addresses real-world workplace hazards.

OSHA encourages the public to access the new opinion letters portal, where past guidance can be reviewed and new requests submitted. Each submission is assessed at OSHA’s discretion, with priority given to questions that address broader workplace safety concerns.