Kentucky Amends Occupational Safety and Health Act, Proposes Implementing Regulations
At a Glance Two new Kentucky laws make significant changes to the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Act. Emergency regulations implementing these changes are in place, while proposed rules are open to public comment. New this summer, and effective June 27, 2025 , are significant updates to Kentucky’s Occupational Safety and Health Act, which put Kentucky’s state plan program substantively in line with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards . While the effects of the statutory and regulatory changes are yet to be fully seen and felt, here is a breakdown of the legislation and developing changes that impact private employers with a Kentucky presence. The Changes HB 398 : Kentucky amended its Safety and Health Act, embodied in Chapter 338, by passing HB 398, which was introduced, passed, and delivered to Governor Andy Beshear in just over a month. The new law alters Kentucky’s Occupational Safety and Health program significantly, bringing it largely...