OSHA Extends Citation Deadlines as Agency Clears Backlog After Government Shutdown
OSHA has resumed full enforcement operations, is processing previously delayed safety complaints and has extended the contest period for citations issued between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 2025.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Dec 02, 2025
OSHA has resumed normal enforcement operations after a lapse in federal funding and is extending deadlines for employers to contest workplace safety and health citations.
During the shutdown, OSHA received safety and health complaints that did not meet the criteria for excepted activity and were not processed when they were filed. The agency said it is now actively working through that backlog. Complaints may be handled through informal inquiries, and OSHA said individuals do not need to resubmit previously filed complaints.
OSHA is also giving employers more time to respond to citations issued immediately before or during the government shutdown. Shutdown days will not count as “working days” toward the 15-working-day contest period.
For citations issued and/or received between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 2025, OSHA tolled the 15-working-day deadline during the lapse in appropriations. Those employers now have until Dec. 4, 2025, to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the citations before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers normally have 15 working days from receiving citations and proposed penalties to decide whether to accept them, seek an informal conference or file a formal contest. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the case process, and OSHA advises employers and workers to check its establishment search page for updates on inspection or penalty status.
OSHA is directing employers to its website for more information on the inspection process and to learn about compliance assistance resources, including free help on meeting OSHA standards.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.