OSHA releases two new LOIs

In two newly released letters of interpretation (LOIs), OSHA addresses head protection and electrical work practices.

The head protection LOI asked how 29 CFR 1910.135 applies to Type II safety helmets and lateral or off-center impact hazards, as well as whether OSHA’s 2024 safety helmet bulletin affects enforcement. OSHA states, “Where a hazard assessment identifies blow to the top or side of the head hazards, head protection that provides only top-impact protection may not be adequate to protect employees from those hazards.” Employers will be required to “provide proper PPE that will protect the affected employee from the specific hazards identified in the hazard assessment.”

The other LOI asked whether a lock with a permanently affixed label prohibiting unauthorized operation or removal would satisfy the agency’s electrical work practice requirements. OSHA said the lock would comply as long as the label remained legible.

The full LOIs, both dated 8/17/2026, can be found on OSHA’s website.