EHS on Tap E272: The Impact of the Government Shutdown on Workplace Safety
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Nov 4, 2025 Kristi Hames, a certified industrial hygienist and Principal Solutions Strategist at VelocityEHS, discusses the far-reaching effects of the government shutdown on workplace safety. She highlights how OSHA has paused routine inspections and how agencies like the EPA and NIOSH have scaled back activities. Kristi advises safety leaders to maintain their programs and keep thorough documentation, as regulatory deadlines remain in force. She emphasizes the importance of continuous safety oversight and suggests alternative resources to navigate these challenges effectively.
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Federal Inspections Paused But Work Continues
- Federal OSHA paused most programmed inspections but continues imminent danger and fatality work.
- State OSHA programs and employers still maintain normal enforcement and obligations.
Keep Safety Programs Running and Document
- Continue safety programs and don't use the shutdown as an excuse to pause compliance activities.
- Document internal audits, near misses, incidents, and corrective actions thoroughly for future inspections.
Use Management Systems To Maintain Momentum
- Use an EHS management system like ISO 45001 or Responsible Care to keep programs on track.
- Maintain regular hazard assessments, inspections, training, exposure monitoring, and control management.