What Workplace Deregulation Means for Safety: Navigating the Risks Behind the Rollbacks
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s plan to cut 63 federal rules signals a major shift—safety pros must stay vigilant as deregulation reshapes compliance, training, and oversight.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jul 02, 2025
In a bold move announced this week, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer unveiled the Department of Labor’s sweeping plan to eliminate 63 federal regulations, marking the most ambitious deregulatory proposal by any federal department in recent years. While the initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation, safety professionals across industries are weighing what these changes could mean for occupational health and safety (OH&S) standards and enforcement.
A Shift in Regulatory Philosophy
The July 1 announcement aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order “Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation,” which mandates the elimination of ten existing federal rules for every new one created. The Department of Labor has taken the lead, highlighting its intention to dismantle what it describes as “costly and burdensome” regulations inherited from prior administrations.
“These historic actions will free Main Street, fuel economic growth, and give American workers the flexibility they need to build a better future,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer.
However, safety professionals caution that fewer regulations may result in diminished protections for workers in high-risk environments, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, energy, and logistics.
Impacts on OH&S: A Mixed Bag
While the specifics of the 63 deregulatory items are still unfolding in the Federal Register, early reports suggest changes could include relaxing reporting requirements, modifying safety training mandates, and reducing federal oversight of compliance inspections.
Occupational safety experts are calling for a balanced approach.
“Efficiency in regulation is important, but we must not lose sight of the human cost,” said one certified industrial hygienist. “History shows that when oversight weakens, incident rates often climb.”
Employer Responsibility on the Rise
In a deregulated environment, the onus of maintaining safe workplaces may shift more heavily to employers. This includes everything from implementing internal safety audits to investing in hazard prevention technologies and worker training, without necessarily being compelled by federal mandates.
Some companies may welcome the flexibility, while others worry that inconsistent safety standards will create confusion and potential risk.
The Need for Vigilance
As the OH&S landscape adjusts to these policy changes, EHS professionals, risk managers, and compliance officers will need to stay ahead of the curve. Regular review of internal policies, employee training updates, and proactive communication with legal and regulatory experts will be essential.
Meanwhile, labor advocates and safety organizations like the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the National Safety Council (NSC) are expected to weigh in as the impacts become clearer.
What to Watch For
- Finalized list of deregulatory actions published in the Federal Register.
- Revisions to OSHA reporting thresholds and training mandates.
- Changes in enforcement priorities and inspection frequencies.
- Industry-specific impacts in high-risk work environments.
Bottom Line:
Deregulation may offer economic benefits and administrative relief, but occupational health and safety leaders must remain proactive to ensure that workplace protections aren’t lost in the process. As federal rules shift, the responsibility for safe, compliant, and health-conscious workplaces may rest more than ever on the shoulders of individual organizations.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.