OSHA Resumes Enforcement Operations Following Government Shutdown

OSHA has resumed normal enforcement operations paused due to the lapse in federal appropriations between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, 2025. The Department of Labor announced on Dec. 2 that OSHA is working to address as quickly as possible the backlog of safety and health complaints submitted during the government shutdown. Some complaints that “did not meet criteria for expected activity” were not processed when the government reopened, according to DOL. Individuals who submitted complaints during the shutdown do not need to resubmit.

A DOL news release states that employers have until Dec. 4 to respond to OSHA citations issued or received between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12. The Occupational Safety and Health Act allows employers up to 15 “working days” after receiving a citation to comply, request a meeting with OSHA, or contest the citation before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Government shutdown days do not count as “working days,” according to DOL.

More information may be found in the news release announcing DOL’s extension of contest dates and efforts to address pending complaints.