Department of Labor Launches New and Updated Self-Audit Programs to Support Voluntary Compliance

On July 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a suite of new and updated self-audit programs across six of its agencies. These initiatives aim to help employers, unions, and benefit plan officials proactively assess and strengthen their compliance with federal labor laws, reducing the likelihood of formal investigations or penalties. 

For safety professionals, these programs represent an important opportunity to reinforce a culture of voluntary compliance and continuous improvement. By identifying and correcting potential issues before they escalate, organizations can both protect workers and reduce regulatory and financial risks. 

Highlights include: 

• Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA): 

• Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program: Enables voluntary correction of violations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). 

• Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program: Provides incentives for late filers to meet reporting requirements at reduced penalties. 

• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA): 

• Compliance Assistance in Safety and Health (CASH): A new online hub providing resources and direct access to MSHA specialists for compliance support. 

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 

• Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP): Expanded to support employers in strengthening safety programs and reducing injury rates. 

• On-Site Consultation Program: Offers confidential, no-cost assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. 

• Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS): 

• Voluntary Compliance Partnership Program: Assists unions in meeting reporting and disclosure requirements under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). 

• Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): 

• SALUTE Program: Provides guidance to help employers uphold service members’ employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). 

• Wage and Hour Division (WHD): 

• Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) Program: Reintroduced to allow employers to proactively resolve wage and leave violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

These programs are now available, with resources and guidance available on the Department of Labor’s Self-Audit Programs webpage.