New Program Intended to Expand Compliance Assistance from OSHA, Other Agencies

An “opinion letter program” launched last week by the Department of Labor is intended to expand compliance assistance resources provided by OSHA, MSHA, and other enforcement agencies within the department. A new landing page on the DOL website describes the purpose of opinion letters—“[g]enerally, these letters concern matters where it is unclear how to apply existing regulations or guidance”—and provides tips for requesting an opinion letter. As part of the program, OSHA will provide letters of interpretation while MSHA will provide related resources such as guidance, regulatory updates, and training materials through a new “MSHA Information Hub,” which is intended to address the most frequently searched topics on the agency’s website.

Other agencies that are part of DOL’s opinion letter program include the Wage and Hour Division, the Employee Benefits Security Administration, and the Veterans' Employment and Training Service.

“Opinion letters provide official written interpretations from the department's enforcement agencies, explaining how laws apply to specific factual circumstances presented by individuals or organizations,” DOL’s news release states. “By addressing real-world questions, they promote clarity, consistency, and transparency in the application of federal labor standards.”

Individuals can learn how to submit an opinion letter request or view past guidance via DOL’s landing page for the program.