diff --git a/changedetectionio/__init__.py b/changedetectionio/__init__.py
index 2be27421..ea45cd14 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/__init__.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/__init__.py
@@ -102,8 +102,8 @@ def sigshutdown_handler(_signo, _stack_frame):
 
     # Shutdown workers and queues immediately
     try:
-        from changedetectionio import worker_handler
-        worker_handler.shutdown_workers()
+        from changedetectionio import worker_pool
+        worker_pool.shutdown_workers()
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Error shutting down workers: {str(e)}")
     
@@ -415,12 +415,12 @@ def main():
     # This must happen AFTER app initialization so update_q is available
     if batch_mode and added_watch_uuids:
         from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
-        from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, worker_handler
+        from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, worker_pool
 
         logger.info(f"Batch mode: Queuing {len(added_watch_uuids)} newly added watches")
         for watch_uuid in added_watch_uuids:
             try:
-                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(
+                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(
                     update_q,
                     queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid})
                 )
@@ -432,7 +432,7 @@ def main():
     # This must happen AFTER app initialization so update_q is available
     if recheck_watches is not None:
         from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
-        from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, worker_handler
+        from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, worker_pool
 
         watches_to_queue = []
         if recheck_watches == 'all':
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ def main():
         for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
             if watch_uuid in datastore.data['watching']:
                 try:
-                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(
+                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(
                         update_q,
                         queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid})
                     )
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@ def main():
             for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
                 if watch_uuid in datastore.data['watching']:
                     try:
-                        worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(
+                        worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(
                             update_q,
                             queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid})
                         )
@@ -549,7 +549,7 @@ def main():
                     logger.info(f"Batch mode: Waiting for iteration {current_iteration}/{total_iterations} to complete...")
 
                     # Use the shared wait_for_all_checks function
-                    completed = worker_handler.wait_for_all_checks(update_q, timeout=300)
+                    completed = worker_pool.wait_for_all_checks(update_q, timeout=300)
 
                     if not completed:
                         logger.warning(f"Batch mode: Iteration {current_iteration} timed out after 300 seconds")
diff --git a/changedetectionio/api/Tags.py b/changedetectionio/api/Tags.py
index 91ff9510..e70d565a 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/api/Tags.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/api/Tags.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData
-from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 from flask_expects_json import expects_json
 from flask_restful import abort, Resource
 from loguru import logger
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class Tag(Resource):
             # If less than 20 watches, queue synchronously for immediate feedback
             if len(watches_to_queue) < 20:
                 for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
-                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
+                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
                 return {'status': f'OK, queued {len(watches_to_queue)} watches for rechecking'}, 200
             else:
                 # 20+ watches - queue in background thread to avoid blocking API response
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ class Tag(Resource):
                     """Background thread to queue watches - discarded after completion."""
                     try:
                         for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
-                            worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
+                            worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
                         logger.info(f"Background queueing complete for tag {tag['uuid']}: {len(watches_to_queue)} watches queued")
                     except Exception as e:
                         logger.error(f"Error in background queueing for tag {tag['uuid']}: {e}")
diff --git a/changedetectionio/api/Watch.py b/changedetectionio/api/Watch.py
index 293a1c0d..5fdc0177 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/api/Watch.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/api/Watch.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from changedetectionio.favicon_utils import get_favicon_mime_type
 
 from . import auth
 from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, strtobool
-from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 from flask import request, make_response, send_from_directory
 from flask_expects_json import expects_json
 from flask_restful import abort, Resource
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ class Watch(Resource):
             abort(404, message='No watch exists with the UUID of {}'.format(uuid))
 
         if request.args.get('recheck'):
-            worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+            worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
             return "OK", 200
         if request.args.get('paused', '') == 'paused':
             self.datastore.data['watching'].get(uuid).pause()
@@ -477,7 +477,7 @@ class CreateWatch(Resource):
         new_uuid = self.datastore.add_watch(url=url, extras=extras, tag=tags)
         if new_uuid:
 # Dont queue because the scheduler will check that it hasnt been checked before anyway
-#            worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': new_uuid}))
+#            worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': new_uuid}))
             return {'uuid': new_uuid}, 201
         else:
             return "Invalid or unsupported URL", 400
@@ -514,7 +514,7 @@ class CreateWatch(Resource):
             if len(watches_to_queue) < 20:
                 # Get already queued/running UUIDs once (efficient)
                 queued_uuids = set(self.update_q.get_queued_uuids())
-                running_uuids = set(worker_handler.get_running_uuids())
+                running_uuids = set(worker_pool.get_running_uuids())
 
                 # Filter out watches that are already queued or running
                 watches_to_queue_filtered = [
@@ -524,7 +524,7 @@ class CreateWatch(Resource):
 
                 # Queue only the filtered watches
                 for uuid in watches_to_queue_filtered:
-                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
 
                 # Provide feedback about skipped watches
                 skipped_count = len(watches_to_queue) - len(watches_to_queue_filtered)
@@ -536,7 +536,7 @@ class CreateWatch(Resource):
                 # 20+ watches - queue in background thread to avoid blocking API response
                 # Capture queued/running state before background thread
                 queued_uuids = set(self.update_q.get_queued_uuids())
-                running_uuids = set(worker_handler.get_running_uuids())
+                running_uuids = set(worker_pool.get_running_uuids())
 
                 def queue_all_watches_background():
                     """Background thread to queue all watches - discarded after completion."""
@@ -546,7 +546,7 @@ class CreateWatch(Resource):
                         for uuid in watches_to_queue:
                             # Check if already queued or running (state captured at start)
                             if uuid not in queued_uuids and uuid not in running_uuids:
-                                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+                                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(self.update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
                                 queued_count += 1
                             else:
                                 skipped_count += 1
diff --git a/changedetectionio/blueprint/imports/__init__.py b/changedetectionio/blueprint/imports/__init__.py
index fa6fe771..96e2360a 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/blueprint/imports/__init__.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/blueprint/imports/__init__.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
         from changedetectionio import forms
 #
         if request.method == 'POST':
-#            from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+#            from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 
             from changedetectionio.blueprint.imports.importer import (
                 import_url_list,
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
                 logger.debug(f"Imported {len(importer_handler.new_uuids)} new UUIDs")
                 # Dont' add to queue because scheduler can see that they haven't been checked and will add them to the queue
 #                for uuid in importer_handler.new_uuids:
-#                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+#                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
 
                 if len(importer_handler.remaining_data) == 0:
                     return redirect(url_for('watchlist.index'))
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
                 d_importer.run(data=request.values.get('distill-io'), flash=flash, datastore=datastore)
                 # Dont' add to queue because scheduler can see that they haven't been checked and will add them to the queue
 #                for uuid in importer_handler.new_uuids:
-#                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+#                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
 
 
             # XLSX importer
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
 
                 # Dont' add to queue because scheduler can see that they haven't been checked and will add them to the queue
 #                for uuid in importer_handler.new_uuids:
-#                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+#                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
 
 
         # Could be some remaining, or we could be on GET
diff --git a/changedetectionio/blueprint/price_data_follower/__init__.py b/changedetectionio/blueprint/price_data_follower/__init__.py
index c2c6e768..ecf60eea 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/blueprint/price_data_follower/__init__.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/blueprint/price_data_follower/__init__.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from flask import Blueprint, flash, redirect, url_for
 from flask_login import login_required
 from changedetectionio.store import ChangeDetectionStore
 from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData
-from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 from queue import PriorityQueue
 
 PRICE_DATA_TRACK_ACCEPT = 'accepted'
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q: PriorityQueue
         datastore.data['watching'][uuid]['track_ldjson_price_data'] = PRICE_DATA_TRACK_ACCEPT
         datastore.data['watching'][uuid]['processor'] = 'restock_diff'
         datastore.data['watching'][uuid].clear_watch()
-        worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+        worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
         return redirect(url_for("watchlist.index"))
 
     @login_required
diff --git a/changedetectionio/blueprint/settings/__init__.py b/changedetectionio/blueprint/settings/__init__.py
index 3d660f8b..4c35ddb5 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/blueprint/settings/__init__.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/blueprint/settings/__init__.py
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore):
 
                 # Adjust worker count if it changed
                 if new_worker_count != old_worker_count:
-                    from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+                    from changedetectionio import worker_pool
                     from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q, notification_q, app, datastore as ds
 
                     # Check CPU core availability and warn if worker count is high
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore):
                         flash(gettext("Warning: Worker count ({}) is close to or exceeds available CPU cores ({})").format(
                             new_worker_count, cpu_count), 'warning')
 
-                    result = worker_handler.adjust_async_worker_count(
+                    result = worker_pool.adjust_async_worker_count(
                         new_count=new_worker_count,
                         update_q=update_q,
                         notification_q=notification_q,
diff --git a/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/__init__.py b/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/__init__.py
index 296533ba..548f12e1 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/__init__.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/__init__.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from changedetectionio.blueprint.ui.notification import construct_blueprint as c
 from changedetectionio.blueprint.ui.views import construct_blueprint as construct_views_blueprint
 from changedetectionio.blueprint.ui import diff, preview
 
-def _handle_operations(op, uuids, datastore, worker_handler, update_q, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update, extra_data=None, emit_flash=True):
+def _handle_operations(op, uuids, datastore, worker_pool, update_q, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update, extra_data=None, emit_flash=True):
     from flask import request, flash
 
     if op == 'delete':
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ def _handle_operations(op, uuids, datastore, worker_handler, update_q, queuedWat
         for uuid in uuids:
             if datastore.data['watching'].get(uuid):
                 # Recheck and require a full reprocessing
-                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
         if emit_flash:
             flash(gettext("{} watches queued for rechecking").format(len(uuids)))
 
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ def _handle_operations(op, uuids, datastore, worker_handler, update_q, queuedWat
         for uuid in uuids:
             watch_check_update.send(watch_uuid=uuid)
 
-def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handler, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update):
+def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_pool, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update):
     ui_blueprint = Blueprint('ui', __name__, template_folder="templates")
     
     # Register the edit blueprint
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
         new_uuid = datastore.clone(uuid)
 
         if not datastore.data['watching'].get(uuid).get('paused'):
-            worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=5, item={'uuid': new_uuid}))
+            worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=5, item={'uuid': new_uuid}))
 
         flash(gettext('Cloned, you are editing the new watch.'))
 
@@ -262,10 +262,10 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
 
         if uuid:
             # Single watch - check if already queued or running
-            if worker_handler.is_watch_running(uuid) or uuid in update_q.get_queued_uuids():
+            if worker_pool.is_watch_running(uuid) or uuid in update_q.get_queued_uuids():
                 flash(gettext("Watch is already queued or being checked."))
             else:
-                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
                 flash(gettext("Queued 1 watch for rechecking."))
         else:
             # Multiple watches - first count how many need to be queued
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
             if len(watches_to_queue) < 20:
                 # Get already queued/running UUIDs once (efficient)
                 queued_uuids = set(update_q.get_queued_uuids())
-                running_uuids = set(worker_handler.get_running_uuids())
+                running_uuids = set(worker_pool.get_running_uuids())
 
                 # Filter out watches that are already queued or running
                 watches_to_queue_filtered = []
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
 
                 # Queue only the filtered watches
                 for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue_filtered:
-                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
+                    worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
 
                 # Provide feedback about skipped watches
                 skipped_count = len(watches_to_queue) - len(watches_to_queue_filtered)
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
                 # 20+ watches - queue in background thread to avoid blocking HTTP response
                 # Capture queued/running state before background thread
                 queued_uuids = set(update_q.get_queued_uuids())
-                running_uuids = set(worker_handler.get_running_uuids())
+                running_uuids = set(worker_pool.get_running_uuids())
 
                 def queue_watches_background():
                     """Background thread to queue watches - discarded after completion."""
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
                         for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
                             # Check if already queued or running (state captured at start)
                             if watch_uuid not in queued_uuids and watch_uuid not in running_uuids:
-                                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
+                                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid}))
                                 queued_count += 1
                             else:
                                 skipped_count += 1
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, worker_handle
             extra_data=extra_data,
             queuedWatchMetaData=queuedWatchMetaData,
             uuids=uuids,
-            worker_handler=worker_handler,
+            worker_pool=worker_pool,
             update_q=update_q,
             watch_check_update=watch_check_update,
             op=op,
diff --git a/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/edit.py b/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/edit.py
index a8b0d0b4..6db548b0 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/edit.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/edit.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from jinja2 import Environment, FileSystemLoader
 from changedetectionio.store import ChangeDetectionStore
 from changedetectionio.auth_decorator import login_optionally_required
 from changedetectionio.time_handler import is_within_schedule
-from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 
 def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMetaData):
     edit_blueprint = Blueprint('ui_edit', __name__, template_folder="../ui/templates")
@@ -283,7 +283,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
             #############################
             if not datastore.data['watching'][uuid].get('paused') and is_in_schedule:
                 # Queue the watch for immediate recheck, with a higher priority
-                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
 
             # Diff page [edit] link should go back to diff page
             if request.args.get("next") and request.args.get("next") == 'diff':
@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
             app_rss_token = datastore.data['settings']['application'].get('rss_access_token'),
 
             c = [f"processor-{watch.get('processor')}"]
-            if worker_handler.is_watch_running(uuid):
+            if worker_pool.is_watch_running(uuid):
                 c.append('checking-now')
 
             template_args = {
diff --git a/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/views.py b/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/views.py
index 2e588c82..4673ab87 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/views.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/blueprint/ui/views.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ from flask import Blueprint, request, redirect, url_for, flash
 from flask_babel import gettext
 from changedetectionio.store import ChangeDetectionStore
 from changedetectionio.auth_decorator import login_optionally_required
-from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 
 
 def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update):
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ def construct_blueprint(datastore: ChangeDetectionStore, update_q, queuedWatchMe
                 return redirect(url_for('ui.ui_edit.edit_page', uuid=new_uuid, unpause_on_save=1, tag=request.args.get('tag')))
             else:
                 # Straight into the queue.
-                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': new_uuid}))
+                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': new_uuid}))
                 flash(gettext("Watch added."))
 
         return redirect(url_for('watchlist.index', tag=request.args.get('tag','')))
diff --git a/changedetectionio/flask_app.py b/changedetectionio/flask_app.py
index 310c4665..8c25133d 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/flask_app.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/flask_app.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from pathlib import Path
 from changedetectionio.strtobool import strtobool
 from threading import Event
 from changedetectionio.queue_handlers import RecheckPriorityQueue, NotificationQueue
-from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 
 from flask import (
     Flask,
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ def _jinja2_filter_format_number_locale(value: float) -> str:
 
 @app.template_global('is_checking_now')
 def _watch_is_checking_now(watch_obj, format="%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S"):
-    return worker_handler.is_watch_running(watch_obj['uuid'])
+    return worker_pool.is_watch_running(watch_obj['uuid'])
 
 @app.template_global('get_watch_queue_position')
 def _get_watch_queue_position(watch_obj):
@@ -206,13 +206,13 @@ def _get_watch_queue_position(watch_obj):
 @app.template_global('get_current_worker_count')
 def _get_current_worker_count():
     """Get the current number of operational workers"""
-    return worker_handler.get_worker_count()
+    return worker_pool.get_worker_count()
 
 @app.template_global('get_worker_status_info')
 def _get_worker_status_info():
     """Get detailed worker status information for display"""
-    status = worker_handler.get_worker_status()
-    running_uuids = worker_handler.get_running_uuids()
+    status = worker_pool.get_worker_status()
+    running_uuids = worker_pool.get_running_uuids()
     
     return {
         'count': status['worker_count'],
@@ -801,7 +801,7 @@ def changedetection_app(config=None, datastore_o=None):
 
     # watchlist UI buttons etc
     import changedetectionio.blueprint.ui as ui
-    app.register_blueprint(ui.construct_blueprint(datastore, update_q, worker_handler, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update))
+    app.register_blueprint(ui.construct_blueprint(datastore, update_q, worker_pool, queuedWatchMetaData, watch_check_update))
 
     import changedetectionio.blueprint.watchlist as watchlist
     app.register_blueprint(watchlist.construct_blueprint(datastore=datastore, update_q=update_q, queuedWatchMetaData=queuedWatchMetaData), url_prefix='')
@@ -838,10 +838,10 @@ def changedetection_app(config=None, datastore_o=None):
         expected_workers = int(os.getenv("FETCH_WORKERS", datastore.data['settings']['requests']['workers']))
         
         # Get basic status
-        status = worker_handler.get_worker_status()
+        status = worker_pool.get_worker_status()
         
         # Perform health check
-        health_result = worker_handler.check_worker_health(
+        health_result = worker_pool.check_worker_health(
             expected_count=expected_workers,
             update_q=update_q,
             notification_q=notification_q,
@@ -905,7 +905,7 @@ def changedetection_app(config=None, datastore_o=None):
     # Can be overridden by ENV or use the default settings
     n_workers = int(os.getenv("FETCH_WORKERS", datastore.data['settings']['requests']['workers']))
     logger.info(f"Starting {n_workers} workers during app initialization")
-    worker_handler.start_workers(n_workers, update_q, notification_q, app, datastore)
+    worker_pool.start_workers(n_workers, update_q, notification_q, app, datastore)
 
     # Skip background threads in batch mode (just process queue and exit)
     batch_mode = app.config.get('batch_mode', False)
@@ -1038,7 +1038,7 @@ def ticker_thread_check_time_launch_checks():
         now = time.time()
         if now - last_health_check > 60:
             expected_workers = int(os.getenv("FETCH_WORKERS", datastore.data['settings']['requests']['workers']))
-            health_result = worker_handler.check_worker_health(
+            health_result = worker_pool.check_worker_health(
                 expected_count=expected_workers,
                 update_q=update_q,
                 notification_q=notification_q,
@@ -1057,7 +1057,7 @@ def ticker_thread_check_time_launch_checks():
             continue
 
         # Get a list of watches by UUID that are currently fetching data
-        running_uuids = worker_handler.get_running_uuids()
+        running_uuids = worker_pool.get_running_uuids()
 
         # Build set of queued UUIDs once for O(1) lookup instead of O(n) per watch
         queued_uuids = {q_item.item['uuid'] for q_item in update_q.queue}
@@ -1163,7 +1163,7 @@ def ticker_thread_check_time_launch_checks():
                     priority = int(time.time())
 
                     # Into the queue with you
-                    queued_successfully = worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q,
+                    queued_successfully = worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q,
                                                                                queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=priority,
                                                                                                                    item={'uuid': uuid})
                                                                                )
diff --git a/changedetectionio/queue_handlers.py b/changedetectionio/queue_handlers.py
index 1143d33e..4750484a 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/queue_handlers.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/queue_handlers.py
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class RecheckPriorityQueue:
 
         except queue_module.Empty:
             # Queue is empty with timeout - expected behavior, re-raise without logging
-            raise
+            raise  # noqa
         except Exception as e:
             # Re-raise without logging - caller (worker) will handle and log appropriately
             raise
diff --git a/changedetectionio/realtime/events.py b/changedetectionio/realtime/events.py
index 7c0397dd..f9176079 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/realtime/events.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/realtime/events.py
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ def register_watch_operation_handlers(socketio, datastore):
                 # Import here to avoid circular imports
                 from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
                 from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData
-                from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+                from changedetectionio import worker_pool
                 
-                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
+                worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(update_q, queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': uuid}))
                 logger.info(f"Socket.IO: Queued recheck for watch {uuid}")
             else:
                 emit('operation_result', {'success': False, 'error': f'Unknown operation: {op}'})
diff --git a/changedetectionio/realtime/socket_server.py b/changedetectionio/realtime/socket_server.py
index ae96e772..f975a0c2 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/realtime/socket_server.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/realtime/socket_server.py
@@ -145,10 +145,10 @@ def handle_watch_update(socketio, **kwargs):
         # Emit the watch update to all connected clients
         from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
         from changedetectionio.flask_app import _jinja2_filter_datetime
-        from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+        from changedetectionio import worker_pool
 
         # Get list of watches that are currently running
-        running_uuids = worker_handler.get_running_uuids()
+        running_uuids = worker_pool.get_running_uuids()
 
         # Get list of watches in the queue (efficient single-lock method)
         queue_list = update_q.get_queued_uuids()
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ def init_socketio(app, datastore):
     def event_checkbox_operations(data):
         from changedetectionio.blueprint.ui import _handle_operations
         from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData
-        from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+        from changedetectionio import worker_pool
         from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q, watch_check_update
         import threading
 
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ def init_socketio(app, datastore):
                     uuids=data.get('uuids'),
                     datastore=datastore,
                     extra_data=data.get('extra_data'),
-                    worker_handler=worker_handler,
+                    worker_pool=worker_pool,
                     update_q=update_q,
                     queuedWatchMetaData=queuedWatchMetaData,
                     watch_check_update=watch_check_update,
diff --git a/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py b/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py
index 702af2aa..be5e8f39 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py
@@ -29,6 +29,24 @@ def reportlog(pytestconfig):
     logger.remove(handler_id)
 
 
+@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
+def live_server_options():
+    """Configure live_server to run in threaded mode for concurrent requests.
+
+    CRITICAL: Without threaded=True, the test server is single-threaded and will
+    serialize all requests. This breaks tests that verify concurrent worker behavior.
+
+    With threaded=True:
+    - Multiple workers can fetch from test server concurrently
+    - Test endpoints with time.sleep(delay) don't block other requests
+    - Real concurrency testing is possible
+    """
+    return {
+        'threaded': True,  # Enable multi-threading for concurrent requests
+        'port': 0,         # Use random available port
+    }
+
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def environment(mocker):
     """Mock arrow.now() to return a fixed datetime for testing jinja2 time extension."""
@@ -187,6 +205,54 @@ def prepare_test_function(live_server, datastore_path):
     logger.debug(f"prepare_test_function: Reloaded datastore at {hex(id(datastore))}")
     logger.debug(f"prepare_test_function: Path {datastore.datastore_path}")
 
+    # Add test helper methods to the app for worker management
+    def set_workers(count):
+        """Set the number of workers for testing - brutal shutdown, no delays"""
+        from changedetectionio import worker_pool
+        from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q, notification_q
+
+        current_count = worker_pool.get_worker_count()
+
+        # Special case: Setting to 0 means shutdown all workers brutally
+        if count == 0:
+            logger.debug(f"Brutally shutting down all {current_count} workers")
+            worker_pool.shutdown_workers()
+            return {
+                'status': 'success',
+                'message': f'Shutdown all {current_count} workers',
+                'previous_count': current_count,
+                'current_count': 0
+            }
+
+        # Adjust worker count (no delays, no verification)
+        result = worker_pool.adjust_async_worker_count(
+            count,
+            update_q=update_q,
+            notification_q=notification_q,
+            app=live_server.app,
+            datastore=datastore
+        )
+
+        return result
+
+    def check_all_workers_alive(expected_count):
+        """Check that all expected workers are alive"""
+        from changedetectionio import worker_pool
+        from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q, notification_q
+        result = worker_pool.check_worker_health(
+            expected_count,
+            update_q=update_q,
+            notification_q=notification_q,
+            app=live_server.app,
+            datastore=datastore
+        )
+        assert result['status'] == 'healthy', f"Workers not healthy: {result['message']}"
+        return result
+
+    # Attach helper methods to app for easy test access
+    live_server.app.set_workers = set_workers
+    live_server.app.check_all_workers_alive = check_all_workers_alive
+
     yield
 
     # Cleanup: Clear watches and queue after test
@@ -262,8 +328,8 @@ def app(request, datastore_path):
 
         # Shutdown workers gracefully before loguru cleanup
         try:
-            from changedetectionio import worker_handler
-            worker_handler.shutdown_workers()
+            from changedetectionio import worker_pool
+            worker_pool.shutdown_workers()
         except Exception:
             pass
 
diff --git a/changedetectionio/tests/test_queue_handler.py b/changedetectionio/tests/test_queue_handler.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bc58106c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changedetectionio/tests/test_queue_handler.py
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+import os
+import time
+from flask import url_for
+from .util import set_original_response,  wait_for_all_checks, wait_for_notification_endpoint_output
+from ..notification import valid_notification_formats
+from loguru import  logger
+
+def test_queue_system(client, live_server, measure_memory_usage, datastore_path):
+    """Test that multiple workers can process queue concurrently without blocking each other"""
+    # (pytest) Werkzeug's threaded server uses ThreadPoolExecutor with a default limit of around 40 threads (or min(32, os.cpu_count() + 4)).
+    items = os.cpu_count() +3
+    delay = 10
+    # Auto-queue is off here.
+    live_server.app.config['DATASTORE'].data['settings']['application']['all_paused'] = True
+
+    test_urls = [
+        f"{url_for('test_endpoint', _external=True)}?delay={delay}&id={i}&content=hello+test+content+{i}"
+        for i in range(0, items)
+    ]
+
+    # Import 30 URLs to queue
+    res = client.post(
+        url_for("imports.import_page"),
+        data={"urls": "\r\n".join(test_urls)},
+        follow_redirects=True
+    )
+    assert f"{items} Imported".encode('utf-8') in res.data
+
+    # Start 30 workers and verify all are alive
+    client.application.set_workers(items)
+
+    start = time.time()
+    res = client.get(url_for("ui.form_watch_checknow"), follow_redirects=True)
+
+    wait_for_all_checks(client)
+
+    # all workers should be done in less than say 10 seconds (they take time to 'see' something is in the queue too)
+    total_time = (time.time() - start)
+    logger.debug(f"All workers finished {items} items in less than {delay} seconds per job. {total_time}s total")
+    # if there was a bug in queue handler not running parallel, this would blow out to items*delay seconds
+    assert total_time < delay + 10, f"All workers finished {items} items in less than {delay} seconds per job, total time {total_time}s"
diff --git a/changedetectionio/tests/util.py b/changedetectionio/tests/util.py
index 6d0fb977..b5cb793a 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/tests/util.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/tests/util.py
@@ -140,13 +140,13 @@ def delete_all_watches(client=None):
 def wait_for_all_checks(client=None):
     """
     Waits until the queue is empty and workers are idle.
-    Delegates to worker_handler.wait_for_all_checks for shared logic.
+    Delegates to worker_pool.wait_for_all_checks for shared logic.
     """
     from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q as global_update_q
-    from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+    from changedetectionio import worker_pool
     time.sleep(0.05)
     # Use the shared wait logic from worker_handler
-    return worker_handler.wait_for_all_checks(global_update_q, timeout=150)
+    return worker_pool.wait_for_all_checks(global_update_q, timeout=150)
 
 def wait_for_watch_history(client, min_history_count=2, timeout=10):
     """
diff --git a/changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py b/changedetectionio/worker.py
similarity index 99%
rename from changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py
rename to changedetectionio/worker.py
index ce8c3f03..59cf6164 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/worker.py
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
 
         try:
             # Use async interface with custom executor to avoid thread pool exhaustion
-            # With 30+ workers, we need executor sized to match (see worker_handler.py)
+            # With 30+ workers, we need executor sized to match (see worker_pool.py)
             queued_item_data = await asyncio.wait_for(
                 q.async_get(executor=executor),
                 timeout=1.0
@@ -91,11 +91,11 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
         uuid = queued_item_data.item.get('uuid')
 
         # RACE CONDITION FIX: Atomically claim this UUID for processing
-        from changedetectionio import worker_handler
+        from changedetectionio import worker_pool
         from changedetectionio.queuedWatchMetaData import PrioritizedItem
 
         # Try to claim the UUID atomically - prevents duplicate processing
-        if not worker_handler.claim_uuid_for_processing(uuid, worker_id):
+        if not worker_pool.claim_uuid_for_processing(uuid, worker_id):
             # Already being processed by another worker
             logger.trace(f"Worker {worker_id} detected UUID {uuid} already being processed - deferring")
 
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
             # Re-queue with lower priority so it gets checked again after current processing finishes
             deferred_priority = max(1000, queued_item_data.priority * 10)
             deferred_item = PrioritizedItem(priority=deferred_priority, item=queued_item_data.item)
-            worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(q, deferred_item, silent=True)
+            worker_pool.queue_item_async_safe(q, deferred_item, silent=True)
             logger.debug(f"Worker {worker_id} re-queued UUID {uuid} for subsequent check")
             continue
 
@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
                     logger.error(f"Exception while cleaning/quit after calling browser: {e}")
                 try:
                     # Release UUID from processing (thread-safe)
-                    worker_handler.release_uuid_from_processing(uuid, worker_id=worker_id)
+                    worker_pool.release_uuid_from_processing(uuid, worker_id=worker_id)
                     
                     # Send completion signal
                     if watch:
diff --git a/changedetectionio/worker_handler.py b/changedetectionio/worker_pool.py
similarity index 97%
rename from changedetectionio/worker_handler.py
rename to changedetectionio/worker_pool.py
index 51aa2ecc..b193e1cb 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/worker_handler.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/worker_pool.py
@@ -91,7 +91,8 @@ class WorkerThread:
         self.thread.start()
 
     def stop(self):
-        """Stop the worker thread"""
+        """Stop the worker thread brutally - no waiting"""
+        # Try to stop the event loop if it exists
         if self.loop and self.running:
             try:
                 # Signal the loop to stop
@@ -99,8 +100,7 @@ class WorkerThread:
             except RuntimeError:
                 pass
 
-        if self.thread and self.thread.is_alive():
-            self.thread.join(timeout=2.0)
+        # Don't wait - thread is daemon and will die when needed
 
 
 def start_async_workers(n_workers, update_q, notification_q, app, datastore):
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ def start_async_workers(n_workers, update_q, notification_q, app, datastore):
 
 async def start_single_async_worker(worker_id, update_q, notification_q, app, datastore, executor=None):
     """Start a single async worker with auto-restart capability"""
-    from changedetectionio.async_update_worker import async_update_worker
+    from changedetectionio.worker import async_update_worker
 
     # Check if we're in pytest environment - if so, be more gentle with logging
     import os
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ def queue_item_async_safe(update_q, item, silent=False):
 
 
 def shutdown_workers():
-    """Shutdown all async workers fast and aggressively"""
+    """Shutdown all async workers brutally - no delays, no waiting"""
     global worker_threads
 
     # Check if we're in pytest environment - if so, be more gentle with logging
@@ -345,16 +345,17 @@ def shutdown_workers():
     in_pytest = "pytest" in os.sys.modules or "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST" in os.environ
 
     if not in_pytest:
-        logger.info("Fast shutdown of async workers initiated...")
+        logger.info("Brutal shutdown of async workers initiated...")
 
-    # Stop all worker threads
+    # Stop all worker event loops
     for worker in worker_threads:
         worker.stop()
 
+    # Clear immediately - threads are daemon and will die
     worker_threads.clear()
 
     if not in_pytest:
-        logger.info("Async workers fast shutdown complete")
+        logger.info("Async workers brutal shutdown complete")