OSHA’s 2026 agenda signals a clear shift toward stricter enforcement, more frequent inspections, and increased scrutiny in high-risk industries like construction and manufacturing. Employers should expect expanded oversight and tighter compliance expectations across job sites.

This heightened enforcement environment directly impacts business insurance. When OSHA violations increase, so do claims, legal exposure, and overall risk profiles. Insurance carriers often adjust premiums based on a company’s safety record, meaning even minor violations can have long-term financial consequences.

Businesses that invest in proactive compliance—such as updated safety training, proper documentation, and hazard prevention—are better positioned to control costs. In today’s environment, strong OSHA compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your bottom line.

The construction industry is entering 2026 with significant OSHA changes that emphasize prevention, documentation, and accountability. Key updates include stricter enforcement of silica exposure rules, new heat safety requirements, and increased expectations for training and recordkeeping.

One of the biggest shifts is OSHA’s focus on proving compliance—not just implementing it. Employers must now demonstrate that workers are properly trained, safety procedures are followed, and incidents are thoroughly documented.

These changes are raising the bar for what qualifies as “reasonable safety” on a job site. Contractors who rely on outdated policies risk not only OSHA penalties but also increased liability in the event of an accident.

To stay competitive, businesses must treat safety as a strategic priority—integrating compliance into daily operations and aligning it with their overall risk management and insurance planning.

OSHA has officially ended its effort to create a standalone COVID-19 workplace safety standard. With the federal public health emergency now concluded, OSHA’s focus will shift toward broader infectious disease protections and general workplace safety standards.

For employers, this means COVID-19 is no longer regulated through a dedicated OSHA standard, but risks associated with infectious diseases remain relevant under general safety requirements. Employers in healthcare, long-term care, and high-risk industries must continue implementing measures to prevent exposure, including proper ventilation, sanitation protocols, personal protective equipment, and employee training on infection control.

The decision highlights the ongoing importance of integrating best practices for health and safety into general programs. Companies should review and update policies to address biological hazards, ensuring workplaces remain safe even in the absence of a COVID-specific regulation. This approach protects employees and demonstrates due diligence in maintaining a healthy and compliant work environment.

Workplace heat stress can pose serious risks to employees — especially for outdoor workers, warehouse staff, and those in manufacturing environments. Protecting your team from heat-related illness isn’t just about compliance; it’s about keeping your employees safe and your business running smoothly.

Why Heat Stress Matters

Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself properly. Symptoms can range from mild fatigue and dizziness to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. In addition to health risks, heat stress can lead to decreased productivity, more workplace accidents, and potential OSHA violations if safety measures are not in place.

Steps Employers Can Take

• Hydration: Provide easy access to water and encourage employees to drink frequently.
• Rest Breaks: Schedule frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas, especially during hot afternoons.
• Training: Educate employees on recognizing early signs of heat stress and what to do if symptoms appear.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on environmental conditions and employee well-being, particularly during heat waves.
• PPE & Clothing: Ensure protective gear does not contribute to overheating — lightweight, breathable clothing can help.

How Red Cedar Can Help

Red Cedar Insurance Agency helps employers reduce risk and stay compliant. We can:

• Review your workplace heat stress protocols and provide recommendations.
• Offer training resources for supervisors and employees.
• Help you document safety procedures to protect your team and your business.

Stay Ahead — Keep Your Employees Safe

Heat-related incidents are preventable with the right planning and precautions. By taking steps now, you can protect your employees, reduce workplace accidents, and demonstrate that your business prioritizes safety. Red Cedar Insurance Agency is here to help employers implement practical, effective safety solutions.

Workplace injuries happen, but the way your business responds can make a huge difference—not only for the employee but for your bottom line. One of the most effective ways to manage workers’ compensation costs while supporting your team is through a Return-to-Work (RTW) program.

At Red Cedar Insurance Agency, we’re proud to offer free Return-to-Work programs designed to help businesses like yours get employees back to work safely and sooner.

What is a Return-to-Work Program?

A Return-to-Work program is a structured plan that allows employees recovering from an injury to resume work in a safe, modified capacity. This might include lighter duties, shorter shifts, or alternative tasks while they recover fully.

Why Your Business Needs an RTW Program

Implementing a Return-to-Work program can benefit your business in several ways:

• Lower workers’ comp costs: Keeping employees engaged in some capacity helps reduce overall claims and medical costs.
• Reduce lost time: Employees return to work faster, minimizing disruptions to your operations.
• Support employee wellbeing: Showing injured workers that you care about their recovery boosts morale and loyalty.
• Compliance and risk management: A structured program helps your business meet state requirements and maintain a safe workplace.

How Red Cedar Makes It Easy

Many businesses don’t have the time or resources to create an RTW program from scratch—that’s where we come in. Our free program is:

• Customizable: Tailored to your business, operations, and employee roles.
• Simple to implement: Easy for supervisors and employees to follow.
• Cost-effective: We handle the planning at no charge to your business.

Get Started Today

A well-designed Return-to-Work program isn’t just a policy—it’s a way to protect your business, reduce costs, and show your team that you care. Let Red Cedar Insurance Agency help you set up a free program that works for your business.

Contact us today to learn more or get started.

MIOSHA continues to offer support to help employers improve workplace safety. As of late 2024, the MIWISH Grant Program reopened, offering up to $5,000 to small employers (250 or fewer employees) to purchase safety equipment and provide training.

Common uses include installing fall protection systems, upgrading machine guarding, acquiring lockout/tagout equipment, noise monitoring, ergonomic lifts, and other safety enhancements. These grants help reduce injuries in physically demanding or hazardous workplaces.

MIOSHA also provides voluntary, penalty-free consultations. Safety staff can walk through worksites with employers to identify hazards and recommend solutions without issuing citations as long as serious issues are corrected.

Additionally, MIOSHA maintains emphasis programs targeting persistent hazards, such as heat-related illness and outdoor/indoor heat hazard programs, as well as targeted inspections for high-risk sectors like excavation and oil/gas operations.

Even small employers can leverage grants and consultation services to improve safety at little or no net cost. Awareness of current emphasis programs also allows employers to proactively address hazards before inspections occur.

As of March 2025, MIOSHA amended its rules governing inspections to better align with federal OSHA standards. This update changes how “walk-around” inspections are conducted and who can accompany the inspector.

Under the new rule, an employee’s representative during a MIOSHA inspection does not have to be a current employee of the company. A third-party, such as a union representative, external safety consultant, or other qualified individual, may serve as the representative when deemed “reasonably necessary.” Necessity might be based on relevant knowledge of workplace hazards, experience, or language skills needed to effectively communicate.

For employers, this means inspections may now include outside safety professionals or advocates. Employers should ensure their workplaces are fully compliant, well-documented, and prepared for more thorough scrutiny. For employees, the update strengthens the ability to bring in expertise for hazard identification and inspection support.

The update reflects MIOSHA’s commitment to transparency and worker access during inspections. Employers should review internal compliance documents and ensure all safety procedures, hazard mitigation efforts, and record-keeping are current and thorough.