While Federal OSHA establishes the baseline for OSHA standards, it is increasingly no longer the full story for employers. Indeed, the real compliance challenge today is keeping up with state plans as rules, guidance, and enforcement priorities can change quickly and diverge significantly. States are pushing hard on operationally complex, enforcement-friendly issues such as heat, ergonomics, workplace violence programs, and inspection procedures. This post highlights some of the developments from the past six months most likely to matter in practice.
Arizona: Turning up the Heat on Temperature Safety Guidance
In 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs issued Executive Order 2025-09, directing the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) to lead the state’s heat safety efforts. By the end of the year, ADOSH’s Workplace Heat Safety Task Force delivered recommendations calling for written Heat Illness Prevention Plans and core protections such as water, rest, shade, acclimatization, and training. Although Arizona does not yet have a codified heat standard, ADOSH’s Heat State Emphasis Program, guidance, and enforcement activity are already shaping employer expectations around heat hazards.
Washington: Warming up to Indoor Heat Rules
Washington State’s new safety and health regulatory agenda includes potential rulemaking on lead exposure, infectious disease response, PPE fit, inspection procedures, and updates to core safety rules, with indoor heat now identified...
Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Minnesota man has been indicted on felony charges in a multi-million-dollar tax fraud case. A news release issued by the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota says Caesar M...