DOL’s Semiannual Agenda Highlights Heat Illness Prevention and Worker Classification Rules
The Department of Labor’s latest regulatory agenda outlines nearly 150 proposals, with a strong focus on heat injury and illness prevention, worker classification, and employer compliance responsibilities.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Sep 04, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor has released its semiannual regulatory agenda, outlining nearly 150 proposals under its jurisdiction. The agenda highlights ongoing and upcoming rulemaking activities that affect workplace safety, labor standards, and compliance responsibilities for employers.
Key Safety and Health Priorities
- Heat Injury and Illness Prevention
OSHA continues to advance efforts to develop a standard aimed at preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses in both outdoor and indoor work environments. This initiative reflects the growing risks posed by extreme heat and the importance of protective measures for workers.
- Joint Employer Status
The department is reviewing the criteria under which a business may be considered a “joint employer” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This could affect employer responsibilities for compliance with wage, hour, and safety obligations across shared or contracted workforces.
- Employee or Independent Contractor Classification
DOL is evaluating how workers should be classified for federal wage and hour requirements. Proper classification ensures that employees receive the protections and benefits required under law.
- Exemptions for Salaried Employees
Updates are being considered for definitions of “executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees” to determine exemptions from FLSA minimum wage and overtime requirements.
Additional Labor-Related Proposals
Beyond occupational safety, the agenda includes proposals addressing transparency in health plan fee structures, retirement plan fiduciary responsibilities, and revisions to temporary agricultural worker programs (H-2A). While not directly safety-focused, these measures may have compliance implications for employers in affected sectors.
What This Means for Employers and Safety Professionals
The semiannual regulatory agenda provides a forward look at rulemaking priorities. For occupational health and safety professionals, the most immediate area of focus is the development of a federal heat illness prevention standard, alongside potential changes in worker classification that may impact compliance obligations.
Conclusion
The DOL’s regulatory agenda underscores its role in shaping workplace standards that balance worker protection and employer responsibilities. Safety professionals should monitor upcoming proposals — particularly around heat illness prevention and workforce classification — to prepare for potential changes in compliance requirements.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.