By Greg Duncan, MELP, CSP
As EHS compliance requirements expand, this year is shaping up to be critical in regulatory enforcement.
From heat illness prevention to PFAS reporting, workplace violence prevention, ergonomics, and PPE fit standards, regulators are signaling clear priorities. The 2026 EHS Compliance Priorities Checklist from VelocityEHS helps employers understand what’s coming and what actions to take now to stay in compliance.
Take advantage of this checklist to:
- • Identify emerging EHS compliance risks
- • Prepare for federal and state enforcement priorities
- • Assess gaps in existing programs before audits or inspections
- • Focus resources on what regulators are most likely to scrutinize
Why 2026 EHS Compliance Planning Matters
Each year, EHS professionals face shifting and expanding regulations, more inspections and enforcement activity, and higher expectations for documentation and program maturity. In 2026, enforcement is expected to intensify across several high-risk areas, many of which require formal programs, training, and defensible compliance recordkeeping.
What’s Covered in the 2026 EHS Compliance Priorities Checklist
Heat Illness Prevention Compliance
With OSHA enforcement increasing and a federal heat illness standard likely in 2026, employers must address both indoor and outdoor heat hazards. The checklist outlines written programs, monitoring, training, acclimatization, and emergency response actions.
PFAS Reporting and Management Requirements
PFAS regulations continue to expand rapidly in the U.S. and globally. The checklist highlights EPA TRI reporting, PFAS identification, monitoring, supply-chain controls, and long-term management planning.
Ergonomics Standards and MSD Prevention
State-level ergonomics regulations and OSHA’s General Duty Clause require proactive MSD prevention. The checklist covers risk assessments, engineering controls, early reporting, and documentation.
Workplace Violence Prevention (WVP) Programs
Workplace violence regulations are expanding across the U.S. The checklist outlines written plans, training, incident logs, emergency procedures, and contractor coordination.
PPE Fit Standards and Compliance
Recent updates make PPE fit a compliance requirement. The checklist details responsibilities for PPE selection, fit assessments, training, documentation, and inclusive sizing.
Navigate 2026 EHS Compliance with Confidence
Cut through regulatory confusion with a clear, actionable view of what matters most in 2026.
The 2026 EHS Compliance Priorities Checklist helps you validate your existing compliance programs, prioritize improvements, and move throughout 2026 without the guesswork or last-minute scrambling.
