Expert Insights: Did you hear the one about the bear? Finding the funny pays off

What were the objections?

Examining the docket, we find several requests for withdrawal of the rule. Some of the concerns raised by commenters included:

• Misalignment with OSHA compliance dates — Commenters remarked that the rule does not align with the phased-in compliance deadlines in the OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200(j). In fact, EPA’s compliance date precedes OSHA’s dates, making it “impossible to implement the required changes … for the 2026 reporting cycle,” asserted one commenter. This will force facilities to engage in premature self-classification, argued the commenter. “This misalignment introduces a high risk of inconsistent hazard reporting, undermining both regulatory clarity and the reliability of emergency planning data,” warned another.
• Unrealistic timeline — Commenters pointed out the fast-track schedule. “This timeline compresses the window for implementing critical updates to chemical management software systems [and] procedures [and] reconfiguring data collection processes,” explained a commenter who predicted that facilities will be unable to ensure compatibility between internal chemical management software systems and the new reporting structure, without timely access to updated EPA-provided Tier2Submit^® software.
• Implementation challenges — Facilities would be mandated to re-map each reported chemical (often before SDSs have been updated), claimed one commenter. State agencies would also have to incorporate the new hazard categories into their electronic reporting systems and revise guidance/training materials, according to another.
• New burdens with little benefit — While EPA announced that the rule was deregulatory, one commenter contends that it would make reporting “MORE burdensome.” The commenter also stressed that the rule would “not improve emergency planning or response.” Others emphasized that it exceeds what is necessary for harmonization with the OSHA HazCom standard and that the expanded reporting system would offer “little value.” Yet another commenter noted that using 112 hazard categories instead of 24 would overwhelm the public who have a right to know about the hazards in their communities.
• Rule characterization flaws — One commenter declared that “the rule’s characterization as ‘technical’ does not withstand scrutiny” because it substantively changes what information must be submitted; imposes non-trivial, potentially large costs on both the private sector and state/local programs; and conflicts with OSHA’s phased compliance framework.
• EPA obligation failures — Commenters also observed that EPA failed to assess or recognize “potentially large aggregate costs to the private sector and to state/local [agencies].” They also suggest that the agency estimate paperwork costs, determine whether small entities are affected, and request the Office of Management and Budget to review the rule. Finally, EPA has not meaningfully looked at costs and least-cost alternatives, one commenter said. The commenter gave alternative examples — “phased implementation aligned to OSHA’s schedule, optional dual-category reporting for one cycle, or a later effective date.”

What’s next?

Now, EPA is proceeding with writing a new final rule addressing all public comments. The agency published a parallel proposed rule on the same November date as the direct final rule. That proposal took comments (through December 24, 2025) on the substance of the direct final rule.

That means the agency has all it needs to work on a final rule. EPA made clear that no second round of comments will be collected, but the agency gave no hints as to when it might publish a new final rule.

Until then, the existing CFRs remain in place. In other words, the changes in the November 17, 2025, direct final rule will not take effect on January 16, 2026, as planned because they are now withdrawn.

Note that the direct final rule, had it taken effect, would not have impacted the Tier II forms due on or before March 1, 2026. Rest assured that it is “business as usual” for Tier II reporting due by March 1, 2026. Similarly, SDS reporting requirements continue as is.

For background information, check out our November 25th article, “EPA’s SDS/Tier II reporting now in lockstep with OSHA HazCom.”

Key to remember

On January 9th, EPA withdrew the November 17th direct final rule that would have amended Part 370. The withdrawal is prompted by an adverse comment. A new final rule is in the works.

What counts as “navigable waters” today?

Post-Sackett, WOTUS includes traditional navigable waters, territorial seas, certain interstate waters, impoundments, tributaries that are relatively permanent, and adjacent wetlands that directly abut those waters through a continuous surface connection. Non-jurisdictional ditches do not create adjacency.

Recent changes

• Supreme Court in Sackett (May 2023): The CWA covers only waters that are relatively permanent and wetlands with a continuous surface connection to those waters. The Court rejected the “significant nexus” test.
• Conforming amendments (September 2023): EPA and the USACE removed the significant nexus standard, revised adjacency, and clarified that interstate wetlands are not automatically WOTUS.
• Field guidance (March 2025): EPA and USACE directed that non-jurisdictional ditches, swales, pipes, and culverts do not create a continuous surface connection. Wetlands must directly abut the water.
• Proposed rule (November 2025): Adds definitions for “relatively permanent,” “tributary,” and “continuous surface connection.” If finalized, federal coverage will narrow further.

Where each rule applies

Implementation is split:

• 2023 amended rule: In effect in 24 states, DC, and territories.
• Pre-2015 regime + Sackett: Applies in 26 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Kentucky now follows the 2023 rule except for certain litigants. Always check EPA’s “Current Implementation” page to check state status before filing permits.

Why it matters to industry and commerce

• Permitting: WOTUS defines whether projects need Section 404 (dredge/fill) and Section 402 (NPDES) permits. Narrower federal scope can reduce federal permitting, but state and tribal programs may still apply.
• Design: Wetlands separated by berms or uplands and connected only by ditches or culverts likely do not qualify as WOTUS. Early jurisdictional determinations (JDs) and hydrologic documentation are critical.
• Risk: Multi-state portfolios face uneven rules due to individual states having their own regulatory framework. The 2025 proposal could further limit federal reach, shifting responsibility to states. Multi-state industry and commerce should prepare for state variability and litigation-driven changes.

The legal and regulatory arc: why definitions keep changing

• Statute: The CWA regulates “navigable waters,” defined as “waters of the United States,” but does not define WOTUS.
• Court history: Court decisions have repeatedly reshaped and narrowed the definition of WOTUS. U.S. v. Riverside Bayview (1985) upheld adjacent wetlands; the scope narrowed when SWANCC v. USACE (2001) limited isolated waters; Rapanos v. U.S. (2006) deepened uncertainty by introducing two competing tests, “relatively permanent” vs. “significant nexus,” leaving regulators and courts with ambiguity.
• Rulemaking swings:

1. 2015 Clean Water Rule broadened coverage.
2. 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule narrowed it; later vacated.
3. 2023 WOTUS Rule was reshaped by Sackett and amended in August 2023.

• Current alignment: The 2023 amendments and 2025 proposal aim to match the Court’s standards.

Pending actions to watch in 2026

• Final rule: The 2025 proposal’s comment period closed Jan. 5, 2026. A final rule could standardize terms and narrow jurisdiction further.
• Litigation: Courts may lift or expand injunctions, changing which states apply which regime.
• Funding: FY2025 operations rely on continuing resolutions; WOTUS changes will come through rulemaking, not budget riders.

Practical steps for EHS and project teams

• Confirm your state’s regime before scoping.
• Request or update JDs early; document permanence and direct abutment.
• Track the 2025 proposal and submit comments where unclear.

Key to Remember: WOTUS and “navigable waters” definitions are narrowing, reducing some federal burdens but increasing state variability. For industrial and commercial projects, early jurisdictional work and state-specific permitting plans are essential to protect schedules and budgets.

Data centers and air permitting

Data centers depend on backup power to stay online during outages. Most use natural gas or diesel generators. These units release pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. When many generators operate together, their potential emissions can push regions close to or beyond National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). This shift can threaten local attainment status and make it harder for nearby facilities to get new permits.

What EPA is doing

On December 11, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA’s) Office of Air and Radiation launched the “Clean Air Act Resources for Data Centers” webpage. It provides regulatory guidance, permitting tools, and technical letters. The goal is to make air permitting for data centers faster and more transparent while protecting air quality.

Why this matters for other regulated facilities

• Attainment status at risk

Large data centers add cumulative emissions from multiple generators. Even permitted emissions from nearby plants can combine and push an area into nonattainment. That change triggers stricter air permitting rules for everyone.

• Power demand competition

Data centers use large amounts of electricity. They often need on-site generators or new grid connections. This can strain local power supplies. In some cases, grid operators give data centers priority during peak demand, leaving other facilities with less reliable power.

• Stricter air quality modeling requirements

Some states now require detailed modeling for backup generators. For example, Illinois reviewed 34 generators for one data center before granting a permit. If modeling shows high emissions, regulators may limit operating hours or require extra controls.

Broader regulatory shifts

EPA recently updated its interpretation of New Source Review (NSR) rules. In September 2025, the agency said construction can start before full air permits are issued, as long as emission-related work waits for approval. This speeds up projects but makes it harder for neighboring facilities to predict cumulative emissions early.

What non-data center facilities should do

• Stay informed

Watch for new data center projects in your area. Their emissions could affect your permits.

• Engage early

Join public comment periods for data center permits. Push for full modeling of combined impacts.

• Plan for power

Work with grid operators. Understand how demand-response programs and EPA’s “50-hour rule” for emergency generators affect your reliability.

• Choose sites wisely

Consider locating new projects in areas with robust infrastructure and cleaner attainment status. Data centers might compete for the same grid upgrades or site approvals.

Key to remember: Data centers are more than tech hubs. They influence air permitting and power allocation. Their growth can affect your ability to expand, or even operate, under current compliance rules.

What’s changing and why it matters

Although EPA has been deregulating or loosening some requirements, there are still some standards being tightened across multiple fronts in the coming year:

• Renewable fuel standards (RFS): The EPA proposed higher volume requirements for 2026, including 24.02 billion renewable identification numbers (RINs), up nearly 8% from 2025. This increase pushes stricter expectations on fuel producers and organizations purchasing renewable fuels.
• Stormwater multi-sector general permit (MSGP): A new MSGP set to take effect by February 2026 will require quarterly PFAS indicator monitoring, expanded benchmark sampling, and resiliency measures in stormwater control designs.
• PFAS Reporting under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): TSCA Section 8(a)(7) mandates PFAS manufacturing and import data collection beginning in April 2026, through October 2026, with extended deadlines for certain small manufacturers.

Failure to prepare could lead to fines, reputational damage, supply chain disruptions, and permit delays. Companies that weave compliance planning into their 2026 strategy will be positioned not just to meet legal deadlines but to sustain operations smoothly.

Key areas of impact

• Renewable fuel standards (RFS) and air emissions The proposed increase in 2026 Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) volumes, from 24.02 billion to 24.46 billion for 2027, signals tightening air and fuels policy that affects fuel use and emissions accounting.
• Stormwater management The upcoming 2026 MSGP requires expanded quarterly PFAS monitoring, new benchmark triggers, corrective action plans, and integration of climate resilience in design standards.
• PFAS disclosure (TSCA Section 8(a)(7)) Manufacturers and importers of PFAS must submit electronic reporting of usage, volumes, disposal, and exposure data between April and October 2026, with extensions available for smaller operations.

Steps to take now

• Audit compliance programs: Cross-check operations against RIN inventory, stormwater permits, and TSCA reporting duties.
• Upgrade monitoring and recordkeeping: Implement robust electronic systems to track PFAS, stormwater quality, fuel volumes, and emissions.
• Staff training: Educate teams on PFAS obligations, new stormwater protocols, and RFS structures.
• Engage regulators early: Comment on proposed rules, consult during permit drafting, and flag issues during the notice-and-comment period.

Looking ahead

The EPA’s 2026 updates reflect a trend toward increased transparency and environmental accountability. Companies that treat compliance as strategic will not only avoid enforcement but also gain resilience and stakeholder trust.

Key to remember: Start planning now. Early action on EPA rule changes will save time, money, and headaches when enforcement begins.

Check the driver’s status

Your first step is to check the driver’s status on the full query report.

The record shows the driver’s status based on what has been reported to the DACH by the substance abuse professional (SAP) and motor carrier (or consortium/third-party administration on the carrier’s behalf). The driver will be classified as one of two statuses:

• Prohibited. The driver has a violation but shows no record of a completed SAP program and negative return-to-duty (RTD) test. Both pieces must be entered to change this status.
• Not prohibited. This status applies to drivers who:
  • Never had a violation in the system, or
  • Had a violation entered but have record of a completed return-to-duty process.

If the driver is in a prohibited status, you’re unable to use the driver in a safety-sensitive function. In fact, this status prevents a driver from operating any commercial motor vehicle (CMV), including a non-CDL CMV used in interstate commerce.

Carefully review the report

The query report will also indicate whether the RTD and follow-up programs have been completed. If there is no entry for a step, you must address it.

The query results offer details on violations, including:

• Violation information:
  • Type of violation, such as failed alcohol test, positive drug test, refusal to test, or actual knowledge;
  • Test date; and
  • Reason for the test (e.g., post-accident, reasonable suspicion); and
• Completed steps:
  • Date of a substance abuse professional’s (SAP’s) initial assessment;
  • Date an SAP’s determination the driver is eligible for return-to-duty testing; and
  • Date the follow-up testing plan was completed.

Using the report, you now know where the process needs to pick up. But in many cases, you need to seek information from parties outside of the DACH to get the full picture.

Verify and continue the process

Consider the following scenarios when using the information on the DACH report.

If the query doesn’t show an SAP program was started or completed, the driver must pursue the evaluation and treatment. Once the SAP enters the completed in the DACH, you need a copy of the SAP report/follow-up testing plan. Since you’re not the employer under which the violation occurred, you may need the driver to sign a specific written consent which permits the SAP to provide you with a copy of the report. Once received, you can send the driver for RTD test. If the test is negative, you must enter this in the DACH using your motor carrier’s account. The prohibited status is now removed. Using the SAP report, you must begin the follow-up testing plan. The completed follow-up testing plan is reported to the DACH by the employer who finishes the program.

If the query shows a completed SAP program and eligibility for a RTD test, you must request a copy of the SAP report to know if the driver is subject to drug and/or alcohol RTD testing. This requires that the driver sign a specific written consent form. The SAP or former employer needs to see this prior to releasing the record. Once a negative RTD test(s) is entered, you must begin the follow-up testing plan.

If the query shows a complete RTD program, but an incomplete follow-up program, you must contact former employers to learn of completed follow-up tests. The driver must sign a specific written consent form for the release of the information. Once received, along with a copy of the SAP report, you should know how many follow-up tests you must pursue with the driver.

What if you can’t verify what’s been completed?

There may be instances when the information you need is not available. For example, if a violation and any subsequent steps are older than five years, a former employer and SAP may not have the records since records can be purged.

If a former DOT employer fails or is unable to provide information (e.g., out of business), document your attempts. Contact the SAP for a copy of the follow-up testing plan and start the plan from scratch since you have no proof of any completed tests.

If you’re unable to get a copy of the SAP report, DOT doesn’t provide instructions on how to proceed. But one thing is evident in the regulations. The DOT doesn’t permit a new SAP for a re-evaluation. In fact, the DACH has no place for a new SAP to even enter a completed evaluation since one has already been entered by someone else for the violation.

To demonstrate due diligence, it’s recommended that you document your attempts to obtain a copy of the SAP report. Then, as a good faith effort, begin a follow-up testing program using the minimum number of tests (6 tests in the first 12 months after returning to duty). This is a far better compliance strategy than ignoring the problem.

Key to remember: A DACH query is the first step in learning whether a driver has a previous DOT drug or alcohol testing violation. If the driver’s record shows outstanding steps, motor carriers need to verify what’s been completed and resume the process, when necessary.

To-do before October 1

Get ready for renewal by taking the following steps now:

• File all your highway use tax returns that are due.
• Pay your taxes. The state will not issue a new certificate of registration if you owe back taxes. Before you apply to renew, make sure that you’ve paid all taxes due under any of the programs administered by the New York State Tax Department, including:
  • HUT,
  • personal income tax,
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA),
  • sales tax, and
  • withholding tax.
• Create an online account if you do not already have one and you want to renew your credentials and pay online (https://www.oscar.ny.gov/).
• Make sure your vehicle registration information is correct and accurate. Review and update your information as soon as possible. Incorrect information will delay the processing of your certificates and decals.

Beginning October 1

Once the renewal period opens, renew your credentials and pay your renewal fees online with One Stop Credentialing and Registration (OSCAR).

Submit your renewal application by November 30, 2024, to make sure you receive your decals in time to place them on your vehicles before January 1, 2025.

If you are already enrolled in OSCAR, use your current OSCAR password to renew online.

If you are not enrolled, visit OSCAR, and select Enroll Now. You must have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and an employer identification number (EIN).

To renew your registration:

1. Visit the OSCAR website and select HUT Renewal from the Business Type drop-down.
2. Enter your information in the USDOT#, NYS Tax ID#, and Password fields, then select Log in.
3. If you have 300 or fewer vehicles, choose either:
   1. Renew all HUT/AFC Certificates of Registration to renew all your active current series permits, or
   2. Select HUT/AFC Certificates of Registration to renew specific permits.
4. If you have more than 300 vehicles, choose either:
   1. Renew all to renew all your active current series permits, or
   2. File renewal to renew select permits.

If you are unable to renew electronically, you may file Form TMT-1.2, Renewal Application for Highway Use Tax (HUT) and Automotive Fuel Carrier (AFC) Certificates of Registrations and Decals – 25th Series.

Key to remember: Take steps now to renew your NY HUT and ensure you receive your new decals before the current ones expire.

“1 year and for 6 months”

Originally, carriers were required to retain inspection and maintenance records for 3 years. In 1979, the Federal Register documented a shift, reducing the retention period to “a period of 1 year and for 6 months after the motor vehicle leaves the motor carrier’s control,” as currently stated in 49 CFR 396.3.

The lack of a comma in that phrase has caused confusion ever since. Are the records to be maintained for 6 months after a vehicle is disposed of, or 18 months?

Fortunately, that 1979 document has the answer, stating the current requirements in a much clearer way:

“The time period for retaining the inspection and maintenance records is being reduced from the current 3-year requirement to 1 year. Once the vehicle leaves the service of the carrier, the records need only be maintained for 6 months.”

“Preceding 12 Months”

Regulations for the periodic inspection in 396.17 require each vehicle to have been inspected “at least once during the preceding 12 months.” Does that mean the next inspection must be completed within 365 days of the last one, or that it must be completed before the end of the month, 1 year later, potentially allowing nearly 13 months between inspections?

The answer lies in a 1988 Federal Register when the rule was first adopted. It says the USDOT considered adding “365 days” to the rule but got pushback from the industry, which argued that “a day-specific requirement was too restrictive and inconsistent with most inspection program periods.”

As a result, the inspection sticker need only contain the month and year of the last inspection, and most enforcement agencies allow a grace period for the next inspection until the end of the month. However, completing each subsequent inspection within 365 days is highly recommended since that’s the common understanding of “12 months.”

Lubrication records

The regulations in 396.3 used to specify that lubrication records must be retained, but the rules no longer say that. So if today’s regulations only say you need to keep records of “inspection, repairs and maintenance,” does that include lubrication records?

The answer is yes, and it dates back to 1994 when the USDOT stated that “the lubrication record … is a maintenance record, [so] the requirement is redundant.”

Bottom line: lubrication is considered part of “maintenance” and therefore you must maintain all lubrication records for at least 12 months.

We need the tire size?

Many motor carriers are surprised that “tire size” is a required record in a vehicle file. It’s nestled among a list of vehicle details that must be retained, such as the make, serial number, and year. But why tire size?

Tire size used to be one of several tire details that carriers had to retain, including the number of tires and their load rating. The industry was questioning the need for such details as far back as the 1970s, leading the USDOT to remove some (but not all) of them in 1979, when it wrote in the July 2nd edition of the Federal Register:

“The suggestion that tire records are not needed has been carefully studied. Tire size has a direct bearing on the load-carrying capacity of a vehicle, but ply rating or load rating may not be needed. The load or ply rating will be dropped, but size of tires will be retained.”

Tire size may seem out of place in today’s vehicle files, but at least the government provided a safety-based justification — even if we must look back nearly 50 years to find it.

Key to remember: Regulatory language is never arbitrary. To truly understand why the regulations are worded the way they are, motor carriers must sometimes look beyond the text and understand the story behind the rule.

Last year's survey results

The challenges that more motor carriers experienced in 2024 were reflected in the J.J. Keller Center for Market Insights’ fifth annual survey on the state of fleet management.

Conducted in early 2025, the survey gauged the industry’s top challenges and priorities around the operation of a commercial vehicle fleet, including:

• Driver training, knowledge, and skill
• DOT/FMCSA compliance
• Safety Vehicle technology and maintenance
• Company expenses

The survey results show that respondents continue to see a need for well-trained, high-quality drivers engaged in continuous learning, a robust safety and compliance program with strong backing from leadership, new vehicle technology that works, and a solid preventive maintenance program. Our research also shows, however, that fleet managers face some common hurdles in reaching these goals.

Click to view the results of the 2025 survey: Transportation Pain Points: Overcoming Top Fleet-Management Challenges.

How this affects FMLA administration

Under the FMLA, once an employee puts the employer on notice of the need for leave, the employer has 5 business days to get the employee an eligibility/rights & responsibilities notice. If an employer gets this notice in the mail on day one, it might not be seen as “received” by the USPS that day. If that delay causes the employee not to receive it within 5 business days, the employer has technically violated the FMLA.

The same is true for the designation notice. Once employers have enough information to determine that an absence qualifies for FMLA leave protections, they have 5 business days to get a designation notice to the employee. While most employers don’t worry too much about meeting these 5-day deadlines, missing them can be seen as part of other compliance issues.

The certification is where employers might also feel this change. Employees have at least 15 calendar days to return a completed certification, but those 15 days don’t start until the employee receives the request and form.

The same types of USPS delays could impact employees, too. Under the FMLA, if employees don’t get the certification back to employers within 15 days and no extenuating circumstances justify the delay, employers may apply their company policies to the absence after the 15-day window closes and before the employee provides the certification. They might get the certification in the mail on Tuesday, but the postmark might read Wednesday or Thursday. That doesn’t mean the employee didn’t send it on Tuesday.

Employers might need to be a little more flexible with this 15-day window for employees, while also staying on top of their own FMLA-related deadlines.

Key to remember: Due to changes in the way the USPS works, employers might have to adjust the timing of processing FMLA leave requests.

Chief HR officers preparing for change

A second survey from SHRM looked at the top issues faced by chief human resources officers (CHROs). The 2026 CHRO Priorities and Perspectives survey, based on insights from 129 CHROs, found that:

• Leadership and manager development, employee experience, and organizational design and change management are the top three priorities for CHROS;
• Workplace culture is becoming a focus; the percentage of CHROs focusing on workplace culture has more than doubled since 2025; and
• Most CHROs expect growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace over the next year with 92 percent anticipating greater integration of AI into workforce operations.

As AI changes the nature of jobs, employers will need to upskill and reskill workers, and managers and supervisors need to be prepared.

“It’s truly critical to have the right leaders in place to survive and thrive,” said Alexander Alonso, SHRM’s chief knowledge officer. “You need to make sure your leaders are prepared for change upon change upon change.”

Key to remember: Workers and HR professionals see stress, burnout, and the employee experience as top workplace issues for 2026, while CHROs want to make sure leaders are prepared for change.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as being harassed, especially if the harassment was severe or ongoing. The Scandinavian study showed that frequent harassment increases the risk and severity of PTSD symptoms.

In addition, harassment from a colleague or leader was associated with slightly higher levels of PTSD symptoms than if the harassment was from a customer.

Symptoms of PTSD that a victim of harassment might experience include:

• Flashbacks,
• Intrusive memories,
• Nightmares, and
• Emotional distress triggered by reminders of the harassment.

The impact of sexual harassment may lead to profound anxiety, depression, diminished sense of self-worth, self-blame, and negative self-esteem. Additionally, the trauma of sexual harassment can cause panic attacks and poor sleep, further exacerbating the toll on a victim’s mental well-being.

Broader workplace impact

These mental health effects highlight the need for support and comprehensive care for individuals who have experienced workplace sexual harassment.

Chronic stress and anxiety resulting from the experience can lead to physical ailments, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. These conditions may cause attendance problems and scheduling issues.

In addition, fear of retaliation and emotional turmoil often leads to decreased job satisfaction and reduced productivity.

Employer support strategies

Employers are responsible for creating safe, supportive environments and providing adequate mental health resources for their employees.

Someone who is suffering from PTSD should seek professional counseling as soon as it’s evident that the trauma is interfering with day-to-day life.

An Employee assistance program (EAP) can offer counseling, support groups, and resources for both employees and their families.

Share information about your workplace EAP with sexual harassment victims and explain how counselors can help. If you don’t have a workplace EAP, share information about support groups and other resources in the community.

It's also important to know that PTSD will easily be concluded to be a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) thus qualifying the employee for an accommodation. An accommodation might be as simple as a scheduling change that would allow the employee to attend counseling sessions.

By understanding an employee’s need for support, employers can help them cope during a painful time.

Key to remember: Studies have shown a link between sexual harassment and PTSD. Employers should be aware of this and provide support to victims.

New methods of communication are needed

The Equitable survey found that 55 percent of employees still routinely turn to materials from their HR departments to understand workplace benefits, which means almost half are getting information from an external source, or not getting it all.

Nearly 2 in 5 Gen Z employees (those in their 20s) said they went to social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube for help in understanding their benefits, and 30 percent of millennials (in their 30s and 40s) said they’ve used AI for benefits guidance.

These social media sources, while easily accessible, can be unreliable sources of information, since they aren’t specific to the benefits provided by individual employers. AI may provide inaccurate information for similar reasons, as well.

But the widespread use of both social media and AI may provide insights into how HR departments can communicate benefits information to employees more effectively.

Here are nine innovative ways to communicate information about voluntary benefits:

1. Use mobile-friendly tools. Make sure benefits information is easily accessible on mobile devices.
2. Make online content interactive. Incorporate videos, quizzes, and challenges to make learning more engaging.
3. Offer short webinars. Simplify complex benefits topics through concise, focused sessions.
4. Leverage social media and apps. Share updates via company intranets and dedicated benefits apps.
5. Personalize communication. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach; tailor messages for different employee groups (e.g., young parents vs. near-retirees).
6. Emphasize transparency and simplicity. Provide complete information in easy-to-understand, jargon-free language.
7. Communicate year-round. Go beyond annual enrollment with ongoing education opportunities like lunch-and-learn sessions, FAQ posts, and expert-help resources.
8. Demonstrate the value of voluntary benefits. Highlight practical and monetary advantages, such as saving for major purchases.
9. Train managers and encourage questions. Conduct frequent training sessions for managers so they can answer basics employee questions about benefits. Also, foster a culture where employees feel comfortable asking about benefits.

Key to remember: Voluntary benefits can be an effective tool to help both employers and employees, but they tend to be underutilized. Revamping communication strategies to meet the needs of your workforce can boost enrollment in these vital benefits programs.

Clear exit routes and egress paths

OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.37) require that all exit routes remain free and unobstructed at all times. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code reinforces this by emphasizing clear egress paths and proper door operation during emergencies. In winter, snow and ice can quickly compromise these requirements, making it critical to plan ahead.

Design requirements

OSHA’s minimum width requirement of 28 inches applies to the structural component of a permanent exit route. This means the physical design of the exit must meet that standard. However, OSHA also states that exit routes must be “free and unobstructed,” which is where snow and ice become a compliance issue. Even if the structure meets the 28-inch requirement, accumulated snow or ice that narrows the path or blocks access violates OSHA’s intent for safe egress.

NFPA often requires wider exit route dimensions than OSHA’s minimum, especially in facilities with higher occupancy or specific hazards. Because local building codes or municipal regulations may adopt NFPA standards or even stricter rules, it is recommended to verify with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with any additional requirements.

Performance requirements

Exit doors must open easily without special tools or excessive force, as required by OSHA and NFPA standards. Winter conditions can also compromise this requirement. Snow plowed against exterior doors, frozen gates or crash bars, narrowed sidewalks, and temporary storage of salt bags or heaters near exits can obstruct pathways and delay evacuation. Slippery outdoor stairways and walkways add further risk to safe workplace exiting.

Lighting is equally important. Emergency lights and exit signs must remain visible and functional, but snowbanks, ice buildup, or temporary coverings can block them, creating unsafe conditions and violating regulations. Recommended actions to minimize these hazards can include:

• Inspecting all walkways and exits after snow and ice weather events.
• Removing snow and ice promptly and applying de-icing agents.
• Keeping snow removal supplies and equipment away from exits and walking paths.
• Documenting inspections and corrective actions in a safety log.

Emergency action planning

OSHA requires in 29 CFR 1910.38 that workplaces with 10 or more employees maintain a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The EAP should clearly outline procedures for reporting emergencies, evacuation routes, and employee responsibilities including cold weather emergencies for organizations exposed to winter weather climates.

To prepare for winter weather emergencies, start by reviewing your existing plan and adding contingencies for snow and ice. Identify primary and secondary evacuation routes and ensure they remain accessible even during severe storms. Include procedures for clearing snow from exits and walkways and assign specific personnel to each task. Backup lighting should be addressed in case of power outages, and emergency communication systems should be tested regularly to ensure functionality in cold conditions.

Consider adding steps for shelter-in-place situations caused by blizzards or extreme cold. Provide guidance on maintaining indoor heat safely and ventilation for preventing carbon monoxide exposure from temporary heating devices.

OSHA also emphasizes the importance of training and communication as part of an effective emergency preparedness program. Employees must understand evacuation procedures, know their roles during an emergency, and be familiar with winter-specific hazards. This includes recognizing slip hazards, practicing safe walking techniques, and proper use of personal protective equipment.

Supervisors should go beyond basic instruction by conducting seasonal safety meetings that cover winter-specific risks. Training should explain the importance of maintaining clear exits, snow and ice removal priorities, and what steps employees should take if they notice blocked exit routes. Communication tools such as signage, email alerts, and mobile notifications can reinforce these messages during severe weather events. Effective communication ensures employees remain aware of changing conditions and know how to respond quickly and safely.

Key to remember: Winter weather can delay evacuations, so planning ahead is essential. Proactive inspections, updated emergency plans, and training are your best defense against winter hazards like blocked exits and frozen doors.

Walking-Working Surfaces

For many years, employers were required to post a plate on mezzanines, platforms, or similar work areas showing the weight capacity or load rating approved by a building official. OSHA removed that requirement in 2017, so these capacity plates are no longer required.

The current regulation at 1910.22(b) simply requires employers to ensure that each walking-working surface can support the maximum intended load. OSHA reasoned that builders consider maximum loads during design and construction.

Employers can certainly leave existing capacity plates in place and may want to check local building codes, which may still require a weight capacity posting.

Storage areas and racks

OSHA doesn’t explicitly require posting storage areas or shelves with weight capacities. Still, the agency has cited employers for unposted storage systems, particularly if a collapse occurred.

The weight of stored materials must not exceed the safe weight limits of shelving. Most industrial shelving is already labeled, helping identify capacities for each shelf or shelving unit. For shelving not labeled or built in-house, OSHA recommends determining capacity limits using sound engineering calculations, then clearly marking storage equipment with safe load capacities. Again, this isn’t technically required, but it can go a long way toward reducing human error and avoiding a possible General Duty Clause citation.

Other storage hazards

OSHA also looks to ANSI/RMI MH16.1 – Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks, which recommends securing storage racks of various types and heights. This increases their stability and decreases the potential for tipping over.

Damaged shelves or supports, improper installation, and unsafe modifications can all increase the risk of worker injury. Storage shelving must be installed appropriately, limited to a safe height, secured properly, and guarded to prevent damage.

Mitigating shelving hazards

Employers are responsible for identifying and mitigating shelving hazards in the workplace. Some effective ways of protecting workers include:

• Inspect shelving and racking regularly for damage or defects. Train workers to report any damage, loose bolts, or other concerns immediately.
• Remove any damaged shelving or immediately isolate the affected area until it can be repaired or replaced.
• Label shelving and storage racks with load capacities and do not exceed storage capacities.
• Install guards on shelving uprights to prevent damage from incidental vehicle or forklift contact.
• Ensure materials stored on shelving, racks, and other storage devices are stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so they remain stable and secure.
• Ensure that materials don’t protrude from storage areas, such as boards or other items extending into pedestrian or vehicle aisles.
• Train workers to store heavier loads on lower or middle shelves and lighter loads on higher shelves.

Every employer that maintains sales stock or manufacturing supplies needs a safe and secure way to store those items. Following these best practices helps ensure that the storage itself doesn’t create additional hazards to workers.

Key to remember: Although OSHA no longer requires posting load ratings on working surfaces, employers should have load ratings on storage areas to help prevent overloading.

Choosing a NAICS code

OSHA does not assign NAICS codes. Employers know their operations best and must select the most applicable code. For example, suppose a company engages in both plastics manufacturing and chemical manufacturing. The plastics division has the most employees, but the chemical division generates the most revenue. Which NAICS code should the company use? The company could use either, but might consider the electronic filing obligations.

Plastics manufacturers must file the 300A, 300 Log, and 301 Forms if the establishment has 100 or more employees. However, chemical manufacturers file only the 300A regardless of employee count. This company might choose the NAICS code for chemical manufacturing since that generates the most revenue and would only have to file the 300A.

One location, two establishments?

Normally, a single physical location counts as one “establishment” for injury recordkeeping. In rare cases, a single location with more than one business operation might be divided into more than one establishment. If this happens, each establishment (operation) would maintain a separate 300 Log and could even have different electronic reporting obligations.

The previous example of a chemical and plastics manufacturer probably doesn’t qualify as two separate establishments. OSHA offers an example where two separate business establishments operate from the same physical address. The agency noted, “if an employer operates a construction company at the same location as a lumber yard, the employer may consider each business to be a separate establishment.”

According to the regulation at 1904.46, an employer might consider two or more separate businesses that share a single location to be separate establishments only when:

• Each of the establishments represents a distinctly separate business;
• Each business is engaged in a different economic activity;
• No single NAICS code applies to the joint activities; and
• Separate reports are routinely prepared for each establishment on the number of employees, their wages and salaries, sales or receipts, and other business information.

If these criteria do not apply, the employer must choose one NAICS code for the entire operation.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

When preparing for electronic submission of injury records, employers also need to include their Employer Identification Number, or EIN. This is a tax identification number for a company, similar to a Social Security Number, but for a business.

Some locations might have more than one EIN. That does not automatically mean the location constitutes two or more “establishments” for OSHA recordkeeping and reporting. However, if each operation meets the criteria for separate businesses, the employer might maintain separate 300 Logs (and potentially have different e-reporting obligations) for each business operation.

Key to remember: If more than one NAICS could apply, the employer chooses which code to use for electronic filing of injury data. Though unusual, a single location might be divided into separate business operations and treated as two establishments.