On July 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a powerful new initiative to help employers, unions, and pension plans take compliance into their own hands. The new initiative introduces and updates several self-audit programs from six key federal agencies, designed to allow organizations to voluntarily assess and correct legal violations—before they’re faced with investigations or lawsuits.

What Are the DOL Self-Audit Programs?

These programs span a broad spectrum of employment and labor laws, including ERISA, OSHA, FMLA, and USERRA. Here's what you need to know:

1. Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

• Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program: Correct violations of ERISA related to employee benefits.

• Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program: Offers reduced penalties for late ERISA annual reports.

2. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

• New Compliance Assistance in Safety and Health Program provides education and tools to improve safety compliance.

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• Voluntary Protection Programs: Encourages regular internal safety audits.

• On-Site Consultation Program: Offers free, confidential consultations to small and mid-sized businesses.

4. Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS)

• Voluntary Compliance Partnership Program: Unions can self-assess under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.

5. Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)

• Launch of SALUTE: A program to review policies under USERRA, supporting rights of employees returning from military service.

6. Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

• Reinstated Payroll Audit and Independent Determination (PAID) Program: Helps employers proactively address FLSA and FMLA violations.

Why It Matters

These programs signal a shift toward proactive compliance—giving employers the tools to get ahead of problems before they escalate. With regulatory enforcement increasing and penalties getting steeper, self-auditing can be a strategic and cost-effective move.

At Envision Benefits Group, we help our clients leverage these federal programs with confidence. Whether you're unsure where to start or want a guided audit, our team is here to help you implement compliance safeguards across HR, payroll, and benefits.