U.S. Department of Labor Launches Self-Audit Programs to Boost Voluntary Compliance
Six federal agencies introduce or expand self-audit initiatives to help employers, unions, and benefits administrators proactively identify and correct labor law violations.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jul 24, 2025
In a move aimed at empowering employers, unions, and benefit plan administrators to proactively strengthen compliance with federal labor laws, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has launched a series of self-audit initiatives across six key agencies.
The announcement highlights a shift toward voluntary compliance as a primary strategy to reduce violations, boost transparency, and minimize the need for formal investigations or litigation.
“Self-audits are one of the most effective ways to build a culture of compliance and trust,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “These programs are designed to give employers, unions, and benefit plan officials the tools they need to correct potential violations proactively. By empowering the regulated community with clarity and collaboration, we are continuing to fulfill the Department of Labor's mission to put both workers and employers first.”
Programs by Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA is expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) to help businesses evaluate and improve workplace safety programs. The agency is also scaling up its On-Site Consultation Program, which provides no-cost, confidential assistance to small and medium-sized businesses to identify and correct safety hazards without the threat of penalties.
Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
EBSA’s two core programs—the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program and the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program—offer plan administrators a way to address issues under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) while reducing penalties.
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA launched the Compliance Assistance in Safety and Health (CASH) initiative, providing centralized access to safety resources, topic-specific guidance, and direct support from safety and health specialists via a new information hub on MSHA.gov.
Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
WHD is reinstating its Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program to help employers identify and correct wage and hour violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act before they escalate into formal enforcement actions.
Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS)
OLMS is continuing the Voluntary Compliance Partnership to assist unions in evaluating compliance with financial reporting and disclosure requirements under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)
VETS introduced the SALUTE Program—Support and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment—to help employers assess compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and protect the rights of service members in the workforce.
Resources and Guidance
Employers, safety professionals, and compliance officers can explore program-specific toolkits, self-assessment resources, and agency contact points at dol.gov/SelfAudit.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.