July 29, 2026
OSHA opens training grants, updates VPP policy and more
To help you stay ahead of the curve, The Safety Pulse provides a monthly recap of safety-related news. Each edition brings you the latest trends, resources, regulation updates and more, all in one place. We’re here to help you stay informed, compliant and safe.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA announces $12.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants
OSHA is providing $12.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to support training and education that helps employees and employers identify and prevent workplace safety and health hazards. The grants are prioritized for small businesses, high-hazard industries and employees who face barriers to accessing safety training. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, employer associations, labor unions, tribal organizations, public colleges and universities, and OSHA Training Institute Education Centers. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 31, 2026.
OSHA adds safety management elements to Voluntary Protection Programs
OSHA has updated its Voluntary Protection Programs policy document to include seven elements of safety and health management systems. The directive, which went into effect June 16, replaces one from January 2020 that listed four elements. The seven elements are management leadership, employee participation, hazard identification and assessment, hazard prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation and improvement, and communication and coordination for host employers, contractors and staffing agencies.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH urges employers to protect employees from tick-borne diseases
In its July 2026 eNews, NIOSH is urging employers to take steps to protect employees from tick-borne diseases, noting that worksites with tick habitats such as woods, bushes, high grass or leaf litter are likely to have more ticks. Outdoor employees in construction, landscaping, forestry and utility work face higher exposure risk during the summer months. Employers should train employees to recognize tick habitats, use insect repellent and perform tick checks after working outdoors.
NIOSH highlights heat stress resources for summer
NIOSH's July 2026 eNews spotlights its heat stress communication resources along with information on heat-related illnesses, acclimatization and other safety topics. With OSHA's updated heat National Emphasis Program now targeting 55 high-hazard industries for inspections, it’s a great time for Texas employers with outdoor operations to review their heat illness prevention programs. The free OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)
Revised NCCI workers' compensation loss costs now in effect
TDI accepted the National Council on Compensation Insurance's advisory loss cost filing for Texas policies effective on or after July 1, 2026. The filing estimates an expected average 3.8% decrease to the previous loss cost level. Actual premium for individual employers will differ based on their assigned classifications and other factors.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC)
DWC offers low-cost OSHA safety training classes across Texas
DWC is offering low-cost OSHA 10-Hour Construction and General Industry classes as well as 30-Hour Construction Industry in English and Spanish through interactive in-person instruction. Classes are available in multiple Texas cities including Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso and Wichita Falls. Upcoming sessions run from July through October. Texas residents and employees currently working in Texas are eligible to register.