Who Must Comply with OSHA

safety glasses required
By
M.A., SPHR

Are you wondering who must comply with OSHA? Every company doing business in the U.S. is required by law to comply with relevant provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. The specific requirements that a particular organization must be in compliance vary based on industry and the type of work performed.

Wondering Who Must Comply with OSHA?

Even though many federal laws are restricted to companies that have 15 or more employees, this is not true with OSHA regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act applies to every business that operates within the United States, regardless of size. This federal law was passed in 1970 and specifies that all employers are responsible for providing a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing - or have the potential to cause - death or serious injuries or occupational illnesses.

Business owners and managers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the aspects of the OSH Act that apply to their companies and to ensure that their organizations are compliant with all of applicable standards and regulations established by OSHA. It is also necessary for businesses to provide employees with copies of the OSHA requirements that affect their workplaces upon request. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse for noncompliance, and companies that do not operate in a manner consistent with the OSH Act can be required to pay significant fines, and the amount can vary greatly depending on the severity of violations discovered.

OSHA provides a variety of resources that can help people who are charged with the responsibility of making sure their companies are compliant with all applicable OSHA standards and regulations. An extensive selection of free resources is available, including downloadable educational materials and other publications, training classes, and assistance from compliance specialists based in regional agency offices throughout the U.S. Further, OSHA is charged with conducting work site inspections and mandating compliance with the law. Any business covered by the OSH Act is subject to inspection at any time.

Examples of OSHA Requirements

Poster Requirement

All employers are required to display the OSHA 3165 poster or an equivalent poster provided by the state where your company operates in a conspicuous location that is easily visible to workers and job applicants. This "Job Safety and Health" poster provides details about employee and employer rights and responsibilities regarding workplace health and safety as specified by the OSH Act.

Hazard Communication

Employers are required to inform employees about the dangers of any chemical hazards that are present in the working environment and to provide them with training about necessary safeguards that should be taken. Compliance with this regulation necessitates letting employees know what chemical substances they may be exposed to on the job and training them regarding the hazards they pose and the measures that should be taken to avoid harm.

Employers should have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on every hazardous substance on site stored in a location where employees can easily access the documents. Part of the safety training should be informing team members about the existence of these forms, explaining how to use them, and making certain they know where they are and how to get them.

Recordkeeping

Most businesses that have more than 10 employees at any point during a calendar year are required to keep records of work-related injuries and occupational illnesses using OSHA Form 300. This form is available for download on the recordkeeping page on the OSHA.gov website. This requirement does not apply to most companies engaged in retail trade, or in finance, insurance, real estate, and other service industries.

Industry Specific Requirements

There are a variety of occupation-specific OSHA requirements. Individuals who hold many types of construction jobs are required to complete a 10-hour, industry-specific training program. Many industrial workers are required to take a 10-hour general industry curriculum. Individuals who complete the mandatory training receive OSHA 10-hour cards. Companies that employ workers for jobs that have an OSHA card requirement must ensure that all workers have the appropriate credentials. Additional specialized training is required for many workers, such as forklift operators and individuals who work in confined spaces.

OSHA requirements are not limited to those who hold manual labor positions. Workers who hold jobs where they may come into contact with bodily fluids must complete an approved blood borne pathogens training course every year. Examples of professionals who must comply with this requirement include:

Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Doctors
  • Emergency room workers
  • Firefighters
  • Lab Technicians
  • Nurses
  • Other healthcare personnel
  • Paramedics/EMTS
  • Police officers
  • Other workers whose job may involve exposure to blood

These are just a few examples of the many industry-specific OSHA requirements that exist. The compliance officer for your region can help you determine the regulations that impact your business.

For Additional Information

If you need more information about who must comply with OSHA and what steps you can take to ensure that your company is meeting all necessary requirements, contact OSH directly. Visit OSHA.gov or call 800-321-OSHA.