Workplace Safety Laws by State (2026)
About this article
Sourced from primary statutes (U.S. Code, CFR, state compiled statutes) and official government agency guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
Compare by state
Statute citations are verified per state. Select a state to jump to its full section below.
| Primary statute | |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, Ala. Code § 25-5-1 et seq. |
| Alaska | Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Act — Alaska Stat. § 18.60 |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 23-401 et seq. — Arizona Occupational Safety and Health Act (ADOSH — all workers covered) |
| Arkansas | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| California | California Labor Code § 6400 — employer duty to provide safe workplace (Cal/OSHA) |
| Colorado | C.R.S. § 8-13.3-401 et seq. — Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (48 hours paid sick leave) |
| Connecticut | CGS § 31-367 et seq. — Connecticut occupational safety (CONN-OSHA) |
| Delaware | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| District of Columbia | D.C. Whistleblower Protection Act, D.C. Code § 1-615.51 et seq. |
| Florida | Florida Occupational Safety, Fla. Stat. Ch. 442 |
| Georgia | Georgia Workers' Compensation Act, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1 |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law — HRS § 396 |
| Idaho | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Illinois | 820 ILCS 219 — Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act (public employee protection) |
| Indiana | Indiana Code § 22-8-1.1 — Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act (IOSHA) |
| Iowa | Iowa Code § 88.1 et seq. — Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Act (IOSHA — covers all workers) |
| Kansas | K.S.A. § 44-636 — Kansas Workers' Compensation Anti-Retaliation (related workplace protection) |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Act, KRS § 338.011 et seq. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Workers' Compensation Act, La. R.S. § 23:1021 et seq. |
| Maine | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Maryland | Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act, MD Code, Labor & Employment § 5-101 et seq. |
| Massachusetts | MGL c. 111F — Massachusetts Right to Know Law (hazardous substance disclosures — stronger than federal HazCom) |
| Michigan | Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA), MCL § 408.1001 et seq. |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 182.651 — Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Act |
| Mississippi | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Missouri | Missouri Workers' Compensation Act, RSMo § 287.010 |
| Montana | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Nebraska | Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Nevada | Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Act, NRS 618.295 et seq. |
| New Hampshire | Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| New Jersey | NJ CEPA — whistleblower protections, N.J.S.A. 34:19-1 |
| New Mexico | NMSA § 50-9-1 et seq. — New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Act |
| New York | NY Labor Law § 740 — whistleblower protections (2022 amendment) |
| North Carolina | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-126 et seq. — NC Occupational Safety and Health Act |
| North Dakota | Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Ohio | Ohio Rev. Code § 4123 — Ohio Workers' Compensation Act |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act, 85A Okl. St. § 1 et seq. |
| Oregon | Oregon Safe Employment Act — ORS § 654.001 et seq. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act, 35 P.S. § 7301 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Occupational Safety regulations — R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-20 |
| South Carolina | SC Occupational Safety and Health Act, S.C. Code § 41-15-10 et seq. |
| South Dakota | Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act, TCA § 50-3-101 et seq. |
| Texas | Texas Workers' Health and Safety, Tex. Labor Code Ch. 411 |
| Utah | Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act — Utah Code § 34A-6 |
| Vermont | 21 V.S.A. § 201 et seq. — Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Act (VOSHA) |
| Virginia | Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Act, Va. Code § 40.1-49.3 et seq. |
| Washington | Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), RCW 49.17 |
| West Virginia | Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 101.055 — Public Employee Workplace Safety |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. § 27-11-101 et seq. — Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety Act (state OSHA plan) |
What is this right?
OSHA exists because Americans were dying on the job at horrifying rates — roughly 14,000 a year in the late 1960s, plus another 2.2 million serious injuries annually. The 1970 OSH Act gave every worker a basic legal entitlement: a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm. That's the "general duty clause," and it's the engine behind almost every OSHA action.
What "recognized hazard" covers in practice is broad: toxic chemicals, unguarded machinery, excessive heat, fall hazards, electrical risks, repetitive stress, lockout/tagout failures. If a danger is known to your industry and your employer hasn't fixed it, that's the violation.
Just as important: you can report it. Section 11(c) makes it illegal for your employer to fire, demote, cut hours, or otherwise punish you for filing a safety complaint, and OSHA will investigate retaliation if you complain within 30 days.
When does it apply?
Coverage is nearly universal in the private sector. OSHA reaches you if:
- You work for a private employer (nearly all are covered).
- You're a federal, state, or local government worker in one of the 22 states with an OSHA-approved state plan (CA, WA, NC, OR, MI, etc.). Federal workers in non-plan states are covered by federal OSHA but with limited enforcement tools.
- The exceptions are narrow: self-employed people, immediate family members on a family-owned farm, and workplaces regulated by other federal agencies (mines under MSHA, certain transportation jobs).
Three things people get wrong about safety law:
- "The risk just comes with the job." That's not how it works. An industry being inherently dangerous (construction, meatpacking, oil & gas) doesn't waive OSHA standards — it raises them.
- "I'll get fired if I report." Retaliation is illegal under §11(c), and you have 30 days to file a whistleblower complaint if it happens. Quick filing is what makes that protection real.
- "OSHA only cares about catastrophic accidents." Not true. OSHA investigates chronic hazards too — bad ventilation, ergonomic injuries, heat stress, repeated near-misses.
What to Do If Your Workplace Is Unsafe
Step 1: Report it inside the company first, in writing. Email beats verbal every time — it dates the complaint and forces a record. A surprising number of hazards get fixed once the boss can see the words on a screen.
Step 2: If nothing changes, call OSHA. 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), or file online at osha.gov. Complaints can be filed confidentially — your name is not shared with the employer during the investigation.
Step 3: Hit the 30-day window if you're retaliated against. File a whistleblower complaint immediately. Miss it and the protection is much harder to invoke.
Step 4: Document with everything you've got. Photos of the hazard, dates and copies of internal complaints, any change in your schedule, hours, or treatment after you reported. Cases get won in the timeline.
What should you NOT do?
Don't shrug it off. A hazard your coworkers have learned to live with is still a hazard. Workplace injuries change lives — and shutting up doesn't make them go away.
Don't walk off the job without following the steps. You do have a right to refuse work that creates an imminent risk of death or serious injury, but the legal protection only kicks in if you've already reported the hazard and your employer refused to fix it.
Don't assume management knows. Plenty of hazards build slowly — fumes, fatigue, equipment that's getting worse over time. Putting it in writing might be the first time the danger has actually been logged.
Worked example
ScenarioYou report an unguarded machine to your employer, and a week later you're fired for 'attitude problems' with no prior warnings.
OutcomeFiring a worker for raising a safety concern is illegal retaliation under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act. You must act fast: file a retaliation complaint with OSHA within 30 days of being fired. If OSHA finds retaliation, remedies can include reinstatement and back pay.
Verified against the OSH Act — the 30-day Section 11(c) retaliation-complaint deadline (29 U.S.C. §660(c)). State-plan states may offer additional avenues; see your state's section.
You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to assert your rights.
Answer a few questions. We generate a personalized letter citing your state's exact statutes, deadlines, and penalties — ready to print and send in minutes.
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See all 18 letter types →Common Questions
What are my basic workplace safety rights?
Under OSHA you have the right to a workplace free of recognized serious hazards, to receive safety training in a language you understand, to see records of work-related injuries, and to report hazards or request an OSHA inspection without being punished.
Can I be fired for reporting a safety violation?
No. Section 11(c) of the OSH Act makes it illegal to fire, demote, or otherwise retaliate against a worker for reporting a hazard, requesting an inspection, or exercising safety rights. But you must file a retaliation complaint with OSHA within 30 days.
How do I request an OSHA inspection?
File a confidential complaint with OSHA online, by phone, or in writing, describing the hazard. You can ask that your name not be revealed to your employer. If conditions are immediately dangerous, OSHA prioritizes the response.
What is a state OSHA plan?
About half the states run their own OSHA-approved programs that must be at least as effective as federal OSHA and often cover state and local government workers, whom federal OSHA doesn't. Some set stricter standards. Your state's section above notes whether it has a state plan.
Can I refuse to do dangerous work?
In narrow circumstances, yes — if you reasonably believe there's a real danger of death or serious injury, there's no time to fix it through normal channels, and you've asked the employer to correct it. This is a limited right; document everything and contact OSHA.
State-by-state details
Alabama
Primary statute: Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, Ala. Code § 25-5-1 et seq.
Full Alabama guide →Alaska
Primary statute: Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Act — Alaska Stat. § 18.60
Alaska operates its own State OSHA plan (Alaska Occupational Safety and Health, AKOSH):
- AKOSH covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards
- Alaska has specific standards for cold-weather hazards, remote worksites, and the oil/gas industry
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with AKOSH
- Retaliation for reporting safety concerns is prohibited — file complaints within 30 days
Arizona
Primary statute: A.R.S. § 23-401 et seq. — Arizona Occupational Safety and Health Act (ADOSH — all workers covered)
Arizona has an OSHA-approved State Plan through ADOSH that covers both private and public sector workers:
- ADOSH (Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health) enforces workplace safety for all Arizona workers — private and public sector
- Federal OSHA retains jurisdiction only over federal agencies, USPS, and tribal lands in Arizona
- ADOSH enforces safety standards at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Arizona has specific heat illness prevention guidelines (especially important given extreme summer temperatures)
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints
- Retaliation for reporting safety hazards is prohibited under both state and federal law
Arkansas
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Arkansas is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Arkansas
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA (Arkansas has no state plan for public employees)
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include poultry processing, agriculture, and manufacturing — each has specific OSHA standards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
California
Primary statute: California Labor Code § 6400 — employer duty to provide safe workplace (Cal/OSHA)
California operates its own OSHA program (Cal/OSHA), which is stricter than federal OSHA in several key areas:
- Cal/OSHA covers all workers — both private sector and state/local government employees
- Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP): Every California employer must maintain a written safety program. This is not required under federal OSHA.
- Heat illness prevention: Cal/OSHA has specific standards for outdoor and indoor heat exposure, requiring water, shade, and rest breaks
- Workplace violence prevention: SB 553 (effective July 1, 2024) requires most employers to have a workplace violence prevention plan
Colorado
Primary statute: C.R.S. § 8-13.3-401 et seq. — Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (48 hours paid sick leave)
Colorado does not have a comprehensive OSHA-approved State Plan — federal OSHA covers private-sector workers. Colorado provides additional protections:
- Federal OSHA covers all private-sector workers in Colorado
- Colorado does not have a state OSHA plan for private-sector workers
- Colorado has specific state safety regulations for certain industries (mining, oil and gas)
- The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety addresses some workplace safety concerns
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with federal OSHA
- Retaliation for reporting safety hazards is prohibited under the federal OSHA Act
- Colorado has the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) requiring paid sick leave — up to 48 hours per year for all employers
- Colorado FAMLI provides paid family and medical leave for qualifying reasons
Connecticut
Primary statute: CGS § 31-367 et seq. — Connecticut occupational safety (CONN-OSHA)
Connecticut operates a State OSHA plan (CONN-OSHA) covering public-sector workers:
- CONN-OSHA covers state and local government workers only — private sector is covered by federal OSHA
- Standards for public employees must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints
- Connecticut has specific standards for indoor air quality and workplace violence prevention
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file complaints within 30 days
Delaware
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Delaware is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Delaware
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA (Delaware has no state plan for public employees)
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include chemical manufacturing (DuPont legacy), finance, and agriculture
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
District of Columbia
Primary statute: D.C. Whistleblower Protection Act, D.C. Code § 1-615.51 et seq.
D.C. operates under federal OSHA for private sector workers, with additional local protections:
- Private sector: Covered by federal OSHA standards. The D.C. area is served by the OSHA Area Office in Washington, D.C.
- D.C. government employees: Covered by D.C.'s own occupational safety program under the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES).
- D.C. Whistleblower Protection Act: Protects employees who report workplace safety violations, waste, fraud, or abuse. Covers both private and public sector workers. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages.
- Right to refuse unsafe work: Under both federal OSHA and D.C. law, you can refuse work that poses an imminent danger to your life or health, provided you follow the proper process.
- Heat and weather protections: D.C. has adopted standards addressing heat illness prevention for outdoor workers, building on federal OSHA guidelines.
Florida
Primary statute: Florida Occupational Safety, Fla. Stat. Ch. 442
Full Florida guide →Georgia
Primary statute: Georgia Workers' Compensation Act, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1
Full Georgia guide →Hawaii
Primary statute: Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law — HRS § 396
Hawaii operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — HIOSH — covering both private and public sector workers:
- HIOSH covers all workers in Hawaii: private sector, state, and local government
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Hawaii has unique occupational hazards related to tourism, agriculture (macadamia, coffee, pineapple), volcanic activity, and maritime industries
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with HIOSH
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
- HIOSH also enforces Hawaii-specific standards for confined spaces and heat exposure
Idaho
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Idaho is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Idaho
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA (Idaho has no state plan for public employees)
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries in Idaho include agriculture, mining, logging, and technology — each has specific OSHA standards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Illinois
Primary statute: 820 ILCS 219 — Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act (public employee protection)
Illinois operates under the federal OSHA program for private-sector workers, but has additional state-level protections:
- Private-sector workers fall under federal OSHA jurisdiction
- Illinois has its own Occupational Safety and Health Act for state and local government employees
- The Illinois Department of Labor enforces occupational safety rules for public employees
- Illinois Whistleblower Act (820 ILCS 174) provides additional retaliation protections beyond federal OSHA for workers who report safety violations
Indiana
Primary statute: Indiana Code § 22-8-1.1 — Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act (IOSHA)
Indiana operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — IOSHA (Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration) — covering both private and public sector workers:
- IOSHA covers ALL Indiana workers: private sector, state, and local government employees
- IOSHA standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards
- IOSHA conducts workplace inspections, investigates complaints, and issues citations
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with IOSHA
- Indiana provides free consultation services through INSafe to help employers identify hazards
- Retaliation against workers who report safety hazards is prohibited — file retaliation complaints within 30 days
Iowa
Primary statute: Iowa Code § 88.1 et seq. — Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Act (IOSHA — covers all workers)
Iowa operates its own State OSHA plan (Iowa OSHA / IOSHA):
- IOSHA covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with IOSHA
- Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and meatpacking — each has specific safety standards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Kansas
Primary statute: K.S.A. § 44-636 — Kansas Workers' Compensation Anti-Retaliation (related workplace protection)
Kansas is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Kansas
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include agriculture, aviation manufacturing, and oil/gas — each has specific OSHA standards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Kentucky
Primary statute: Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Act, KRS § 338.011 et seq.
Kentucky operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — Kentucky OSH — covering both public and private sector:
- Kentucky OSH covers ALL workers: private and public sector
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Administered by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet
- Workers have the right to file confidential complaints
- Retaliation is prohibited — complaints must be filed within 30 days
Louisiana
Primary statute: Louisiana Workers' Compensation Act, La. R.S. § 23:1021 et seq.
Louisiana operates under federal OSHA for private-sector workers:
- Private-sector workers are protected by federal OSHA
- Louisiana state and local government workers are NOT covered by federal OSHA
- Louisiana does not have a state OSHA plan
- Louisiana has a workers' compensation system for job injuries
Maine
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Maine is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate a state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to private-sector workers in Maine
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include fishing/lobstering, forestry, tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare — each with specific hazards
- Maine's commercial fishing industry has particularly high injury and fatality rates — OSHA has specific maritime standards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Maryland
Primary statute: Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act, MD Code, Labor & Employment § 5-101 et seq.
Maryland operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — MOSH (Maryland Occupational Safety and Health) — covering both private and public sector workers:
- MOSH covers ALL Maryland workers: private sector, state, and local government employees
- MOSH standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards
- MOSH conducts workplace inspections, investigates complaints, and issues citations
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with MOSH
- Maryland provides free consultation services through MOSH to help employers identify hazards
- Retaliation against workers who report safety hazards is prohibited — file retaliation complaints within 30 days
- MD has specific heat illness prevention standards for outdoor workers
Massachusetts
Primary statute: MGL c. 111F — Massachusetts Right to Know Law (hazardous substance disclosures — stronger than federal HazCom)
Massachusetts does not have its own OSHA-approved State Plan for the private sector — federal OSHA covers private-sector workers. However, MA has additional protections:
- Federal OSHA covers all private-sector workers in Massachusetts
- MA has a state plan covering state and local government employees only through the Department of Labor Standards (DLS)
- MA has additional state-specific safety regulations, including the MA Right to Know Law (MGL c. 111F) for hazardous substances — stronger than the federal Hazard Communication Standard
- MA requires employers to provide workplace safety training in a language employees can understand
- Retaliation for reporting safety concerns is prohibited under both state and federal law
- MA has specific regulations for asbestos, lead paint, and indoor air quality
Michigan
Primary statute: Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA), MCL § 408.1001 et seq.
Michigan operates its own OSHA-approved State Plan — MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration) — covering both private and public sector workers:
- MIOSHA covers ALL Michigan workers: private sector, state, and local government employees
- MIOSHA standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards, and some are more stringent
- Michigan has unique standards for agriculture, construction, and general industry
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with MIOSHA
- MIOSHA provides free on-site consultation services (CET program) for employers
- Retaliation against workers who report safety hazards is prohibited under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act
Minnesota
Primary statute: Minn. Stat. § 182.651 — Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Act
Minnesota operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — MNOSHA — covering both private and public sector workers:
- MNOSHA covers ALL Minnesota workers: private sector, state, and local government
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Minnesota has unique standards for grain handling, logging, and cold stress
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints
- Retaliation is prohibited — complaints must be filed within 30 days
Mississippi
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Mississippi is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Mississippi
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include agriculture, oil/gas, manufacturing, and forestry — each has specific hazards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Missouri
Primary statute: Missouri Workers' Compensation Act, RSMo § 287.010
Full Missouri guide →Montana
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Montana is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate a state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to private-sector workers in Montana
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include mining, agriculture, logging, oil and gas, and tourism — each with significant safety hazards
- Mining safety is also regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Nebraska
Primary statute: Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
Nebraska is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Nebraska
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA (Nebraska has no state plan for public employees)
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Retaliation for reporting safety concerns is prohibited — file complaints within 30 days
- Agriculture is a major industry; OSHA has specific standards for grain handling, pesticide exposure, and farm machinery
Nevada
Primary statute: Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Act, NRS 618.295 et seq.
Nevada operates its own State OSHA plan (Nevada OSHA / NV OSHA):
- NV OSHA covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with NV OSHA
- Key industries include gaming/hospitality, mining, construction, and entertainment — each has specific hazards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
New Hampshire
Primary statute: Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
New Hampshire is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate a state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in New Hampshire
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, and technology
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
New Jersey
Primary statute: NJ CEPA — whistleblower protections, N.J.S.A. 34:19-1
Full New Jersey guide →New Mexico
Primary statute: NMSA § 50-9-1 et seq. — New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Act
New Mexico operates its own State OSHA plan (New Mexico OSHA / NMOSHA):
- NMOSHA covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with NMOSHA
- Key industries include oil/gas, mining, national laboratory work, and agriculture
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
New York
Primary statute: NY Labor Law § 740 — whistleblower protections (2022 amendment)
New York has a split safety enforcement system:
- Private sector workers: Covered by federal OSHA. File complaints with the federal OSHA area office.
- State and local government workers: Covered by PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health), New York's state OSHA plan for public employers.
- Whistleblower protections: New York Labor Law § 740 provides broad whistleblower protections. The 2021 amendment (effective January 26, 2022) expanded § 740 to cover all employees (not just those reporting health/safety violations), extended the statute of limitations to 2 years, and added a presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 1 year of a protected activity.
- NY HERO Act: Requires employers to adopt workplace safety plans for airborne infectious diseases and allows employees to form joint labor-management safety committees.
North Carolina
Primary statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-126 et seq. — NC Occupational Safety and Health Act
North Carolina has an OSHA-approved State Plan that covers both private and public sector workers:
- The NC Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Division (NC OSH) enforces workplace safety standards for all North Carolina workers (private and public sector)
- Federal OSHA retains jurisdiction only over federal agencies, USPS, and maritime workers in NC
- NC OSH standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards
- NC has its own consultation program (free, confidential safety assessments for employers)
- Retaliation for reporting safety hazards is prohibited under both state and federal law
North Dakota
Primary statute: Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
North Dakota is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in North Dakota
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include oil/gas extraction, agriculture, and energy — each has specific hazards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Ohio
Primary statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 4123 — Ohio Workers' Compensation Act
Ohio operates under the federal OSHA program — it does not have a separate state OSHA plan for private-sector workers:
- Private-sector Ohio workers are protected directly by federal OSHA
- Ohio state and local government employees are NOT covered by federal OSHA but have some state-level protections under Ohio law
- Ohio's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) provides no-fault benefits for work injuries
- Ohio employers in high-hazard industries face both federal OSHA enforcement and Ohio BWC safety requirements
Oklahoma
Primary statute: Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Act, 85A Okl. St. § 1 et seq.
Oklahoma operates under federal OSHA for private-sector workers:
- Private-sector workers are protected by federal OSHA
- Oklahoma state and local government workers have limited OSHA protections — Oklahoma does not have a complete State Plan
- Oklahoma does have a state OSHA consultation program for employers
Oregon
Primary statute: Oregon Safe Employment Act — ORS § 654.001 et seq.
Oregon operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — Oregon OSHA — covering both public and private sector:
- Oregon OSHA covers ALL workers: private and public sector
- Oregon has some of the most protective standards in the nation, including heat illness prevention and wildfire smoke rules
- Workers have the right to file confidential complaints
- Retaliation is prohibited — complaints within 30 days
Pennsylvania
Primary statute: Pennsylvania Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act, 35 P.S. § 7301
Pennsylvania does not have a State Plan approved by OSHA, so private-sector workers fall under federal OSHA jurisdiction:
- Private-sector Pennsylvania workers are protected by federal OSHA directly
- Pennsylvania state and local government workers are NOT covered by federal OSHA
- Pennsylvania has the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, which provides no-fault injury compensation
- Pennsylvania has the Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act giving workers access to information about hazardous chemicals they work with
Rhode Island
Primary statute: Rhode Island Occupational Safety regulations — R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-20
Rhode Island is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in Rhode Island
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, and marine/fishing
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
South Carolina
Primary statute: SC Occupational Safety and Health Act, S.C. Code § 41-15-10 et seq.
South Carolina operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — SC OSHA — covering both public and private sector workers:
- SC OSHA covers ALL South Carolina workers: private and public sector
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- SC OSHA is administered by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints
- Retaliation is prohibited — discrimination complaints must be filed within 30 days
South Dakota
Primary statute: Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.
South Dakota is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate its own state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to all private-sector workers in South Dakota
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Key industries include agriculture, tourism (Rapid City/Mount Rushmore area), and meatpacking
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Tennessee
Primary statute: Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act, TCA § 50-3-101 et seq.
Tennessee operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — TOSHA (Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration) — covering both private and public sector workers:
- TOSHA covers ALL Tennessee workers: private sector, state, and local government employees
- TOSHA standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards
- TOSHA conducts workplace inspections, investigates complaints, and issues citations
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with TOSHA
- TOSHA provides free consultation services to help employers identify and correct hazards
- Retaliation against workers who report safety hazards is prohibited — file retaliation complaints within 30 days
Texas
Primary statute: Texas Workers' Health and Safety, Tex. Labor Code Ch. 411
Texas does not operate its own OSHA plan. Workplace safety is enforced by federal OSHA:
- Federal OSHA coverage: All private sector employees in Texas are covered by federal OSHA standards
- No state OSHA plan: Texas has not adopted a state OSHA plan, so there is no state-level safety enforcement agency for private employers
- Public employees: State and local government workers in Texas are NOT covered by federal OSHA. Texas has limited state-level occupational safety regulations for public employees under the Texas Labor Code.
- Oil and gas industry: Texas has a large oil and gas workforce. Federal OSHA actively enforces safety in this sector, including specific standards for drilling and well servicing.
Utah
Primary statute: Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act — Utah Code § 34A-6
Utah operates its own State OSHA plan (UOSH):
- UOSH covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with UOSH
- Key industries include mining, construction, outdoor recreation, and tech manufacturing
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Vermont
Primary statute: 21 V.S.A. § 201 et seq. — Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Act (VOSHA)
Vermont operates its own State OSHA plan (VOSHA):
- VOSHA covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with VOSHA
- Key industries include agriculture (dairy farming), tourism, manufacturing, and technology
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days
Virginia
Primary statute: Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Act, Va. Code § 40.1-49.3 et seq.
Virginia operates an OSHA-approved State Plan — VOSH (Virginia Occupational Safety and Health) — covering both public and private sector workers:
- VOSH covers ALL Virginia workers: private sector, state, and local government employees
- VOSH standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA and Virginia has adopted most federal standards
- Virginia enacted the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt and enforce workplace safety standards
- Virginia was notably one of the first states to adopt emergency COVID-19 workplace safety standards in 2020
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with VOSH
- Retaliation for reporting safety hazards is prohibited — complaints must be filed within 60 days of the retaliatory action
Washington
Primary statute: Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), RCW 49.17
Washington operates its own OSHA-approved State Plan — WISHA/DOSH (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act / Division of Occupational Safety and Health) — through L&I:
- WISHA covers ALL Washington workers: private sector, state, and local government employees
- Washington's standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA, and many are more stringent
- Washington has unique standards for agriculture (heat illness prevention, wildfire smoke), construction, and ergonomics
- Washington's outdoor heat exposure rule (WAC 296-62-095) is one of the most protective in the nation
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with DOSH
- Retaliation for reporting safety hazards is prohibited — complaints must be filed within 30 days
- L&I also administers workers' compensation in Washington (one of few states with a state-run fund)
West Virginia
Primary statute: Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. Federal Mine Safety and Health Act, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.
West Virginia is covered by federal OSHA and does not operate a state plan:
- Federal OSHA standards apply to private-sector workers in West Virginia
- State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA
- Coal mining safety is regulated separately by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) — a critical distinction given WV's mining heritage
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with OSHA
- Retaliation for reporting safety concerns is prohibited — file within 30 days
Wisconsin
Primary statute: Wis. Stat. § 101.055 — Public Employee Workplace Safety
Wisconsin does not have a comprehensive OSHA-approved State Plan — federal OSHA covers private-sector workers, while the state covers public employees:
- Federal OSHA covers all private-sector workers in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services enforces safety standards for state and local government employees
- Wisconsin has specific state safety regulations for public employee workplaces (Wis. Stat. Chapter 101)
- Workers have the right to file confidential safety complaints with federal OSHA
- Retaliation for reporting safety hazards is prohibited under both state and federal law
- Wisconsin provides on-site consultation services through the WI DWD Safety and Health Consultation Program
Wyoming
Primary statute: Wyo. Stat. § 27-11-101 et seq. — Wyoming Occupational Health and Safety Act (state OSHA plan)
Wyoming operates its own State OSHA plan (Wyoming OSHA / WY OSHA):
- WY OSHA covers both private-sector and state/local government workers
- Standards must be at least as effective as federal OSHA
- Workers can file confidential safety complaints with WY OSHA
- Key industries include oil/gas, coal mining, ranching, and construction — all with significant safety hazards
- Retaliation for safety complaints is prohibited — file within 30 days