2026 July - EHS Regulatory Update

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This month's update highlights an important trend: OSHA continues to expand proactive enforcement efforts while recent chemical process incidents remind us why disciplined execution remains our strongest defense.

 A few items worth your attention:

• OSHA continues to increase proactive enforcement. National and Regional Emphasis Programs remain a significant inspection driver, meaning facilities can be selected for inspection even without an incident or employee complaint. The featured webinar on preparing for emphasis program inspections may be worthwhile for those responsible for regulatory readiness.
• Heat illness prevention should remain a seasonal priority. Although a federal heat standard has not yet been finalized, OSHA continues to enforce heat-related hazards through the General Duty Clause and its National Emphasis Program. As temperatures rise, now is a good time to revisit hydration, acclimatization, work/rest practices, and supervisor awareness.
• Recent process safety incidents reinforce timeless lessons. The runaway reactor explosion in Kentucky and the ongoing CSB investigation into the tank implosion in Washington are sobering reminders that no industry is immune to catastrophic events. These investigations consistently remind us that seemingly routine operations can escalate quickly when hazards are not fully understood or controlled.
• On the environmental front, EPA continues refining several regulatory programs, including changes affecting Title V permits, Hazard Communication alignment, and hazardous waste management. Facilities impacted by these programs should review the attached summaries for potential implications.

Leadership takeaway:
Most serious incidents are not caused by a lack of regulations; they occur when routine work gradually drifts away from disciplined execution. The strongest EHS programs continually verify that critical safeguards are working long before an incident exposes their weaknesses.

 Question for consideration:
If OSHA arrived tomorrow under a National Emphasis Program, or if your organization experienced a significant process safety event, what evidence would demonstrate that your critical controls are working exactly as intended, not simply that procedures exist?

 As always, I welcome your questions, observations, and suggestions for future EHS Committee discussions.