2025 Changes with OSHA
Beginning in FY 2025, OSHA replaced the OSHA Weighting System with the Enforcement Impact Index (EII), which evaluates inspections based on enforcement resources used, targeted high-priority hazards, and alignment with OSHA’s strategic goals. This shift places greater emphasis on complex, high-hazard inspections and focuses on the overall safety impact rather than the number of inspections, reflecting OSHA’s continued move toward higher-impact enforcement in hazardous industries.
What It Means for Employers
- More scrutiny on hazard controls
Especially in areas tied to emphasis programs (falls, silica, heat, confined space, etc.) - Greater focus on program effectiveness
OSHA will look beyond whether a written policy exists and evaluate how well it is implemented in the field. - Complex incidents will trigger stronger enforcement
Process safety failures, serious injuries, or chemical hazards can draw deep investigative resources. - Higher penalties for weak systems
Willful and repeat violations tied to known hazards are prioritized—and carry the highest fines. - Increased inspections where risks are predictable
Sites must show they identified hazards before OSHA has to.
Bottom Line
Companies need safety programs that:
✔ Identify high-risk tasks
✔ Implement engineering and administrative controls
✔ Train workers and verify competency
✔ Document inspections, corrections, and follow-through
✔ Demonstrate continuous improvement