The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced a series of informal public hearings regarding proposed deregulatory actions affecting workplace safety and health standards. The hearings follow proposed rulemakings published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2025 and April 6, 2026.

The proposed actions would impact a broad range of OSHA regulations, including requirements governing 16 chemical substances, respiratory protection, medical evaluations, walking-working surfaces, and color coding for marking physical hazards.

The informal public hearings will be conducted virtually beginning August 19, 2026 and will continue on subsequent weekdays.

The public comment period as well as registration for individuals or organizations wishing to testify, submit documentary evidence, or question witnesses is now closed. The hearings, however, will provide non-participating employers, industry groups, labor organizations, safety professionals, and other interested parties with an opportunity to listen to testimony and perspectives regarding the proposals. OSHA has emphasized that stakeholder participation is critical to ensure the agency considers the best available evidence as it evaluates potential deregulatory actions.