In addition to the federal OSHA statute, mfany states have their own law governing health and safety in the workplace. Somes states provide more protection or additional rules for specific industries or workplaces which work with federal OSHA protections. It is important to check state laws in conjunction with OSHA to be fully aware of your rights.

Alaska OSHA

The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Administration (AKOSH) includes all the federal protections, as well as additional protections for the following three types of work: 1) petroleum refining, 2) drilling productions sites, and 3) long shoring.

AKOSH applies to all Alaska state employers and private employers within the state of Alaska. The following places of employment are covered by the federal OSHA standards despite being in Alaska:

• Federal employers,
• private sector maritime employers,
• floating seafood processors,
• offshore oil platforms and production facilities;
• Indian Health Service hospitals and clinics; and
• all private employers within the National Parks and missile defense bases

AKOSH completes workplaces inspections and issues citations to ensure workplace safety. Additionally AKOSH provides safety training and certifies training courses for the following types of work:

• asbestos abatement workers,
• explosive handlers,
• and persons who apply hazardous paint.

Employers can request that AKOSH to provide on-site training for their companies by filling out and submitting the online request sheet. These trainings are confidential and are cost-free evaluations of the worksite. According to http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/oshhome.htm, you can send the form to the following contacts:

Alaska Occupational Safety and Health
Consultation and Training
3301 Eagle Street, Rm 305
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Fax: (907) 269-4950
Anchorage e-mail – Anchorage.LSS-OSH@alaska.gov
Juneau e-mail – Juneau.LSS-OSH@alaska.gov

AKOSH keeps a list of all public notices for workplace fatalities in hopes of providing employees with more information so they may avoid injuries and fatalities. Additionally AKOSH keeps a full list of employer’s challenges to citations and penalties.

The AKOSH main offices are in Anchorage, Alaska and Juneau, Alaska. More information can be found at http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/oshhome.htm.

Arizona OSHA

The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH), includes all the federal protections, as well as additional protections for agricultural workplaces.

ADOSH applies to all Arizona’s state employers and private employers within the state of Arizona. The following places of employment are covered by federal OSHA, not ADOSH:

• Federal government workers
• private sector maritime,
• employment on Indian Lands and areas of exclusive federal jurisdiction,
• copper smelters, and
• concrete and asphalt batch plants that are physically located within mine property

ADOSH is administered by the Industrial Commission of Arizona, which as its main office in Phoenix, Arizona. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. If you want to report a workplace fatality or accident find out how at the ADOSH website. More information can be found at http://www.ica.state.az.us/ADOSH/ADOSH_main.aspx.

California OSHA

California’s OSHA, The Department of Industrial Relations (Cal/OSHA), has all the federal protections, some heighted protections, and additional protections for toxic chemical handling and exposure, agriculture, repetitive motion injuries, child labor, heat exposure, and noise exposure.

Cal/OSHA applies to all California state employers and private employers within the state of California. Cal/OSHA does not apply to Federal employees, employers on federal property, private sector employers on Native American Lands, private contractors working on land that is exclusive federal jurisdiction, and employers that require federal security clearance are covered by OSHA jurisdiction.

The Cal/OSHA main office is in Oakland, California. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. If an employee wants to report a labor law violation, she can do by filing a complaint. More information can be found at the Cal/OSHA website.

Hawaii OSHA

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH), includes all the federal protections, some heighted protections, and additional protections for toxic chemical, handling exposure, and noise exposure.

HIOSH applies to all Hawaiian state employers and private employers within the state of Hawaii. HIOSH does not apply to Federal employees and those that work exclusively on federal property.

The HIOSH main office is in Honolulu, Hawaii. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Employees may file a complaint by receiving an online form. The HIOSH laws for specific workplaces/events is on Hawaii’s official website.  More information can be found at the HIOSH website.

Illinois OSHA

Illinois version of OSHA, The Safety, Inspection, and Education Division (IDOL-SEID), has all the federal protections, some heighted requirements for recordkeeping.

IDOL-SEID applies only to state employers. OSHA applies to all federal employers, private employers, and Maritain employers within the state of Illinois.

The IDOL-SEID main office is in Springfield, Illinois. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Employees can file complaints online or using printed forms. More information can be found at the IDOL-SEID website.

Indiana OSHA

Indiana version of OSHA, The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA), has adopted all of OSHA’s regulations and standards without any major deviations.

IOSHA applies only to state employers and private employers. However, OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Illinois.

The IOSHA main office is in Indianapolis, Indiana. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, catastrophes, and worker complaints or referrals. Employees can file an online complaint. More information can be found at the IOSHA website.

Iowa OSHA

Iowa’s version of OSHA has adopted all of OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds a few additions, including, 1) some slightly more stringent standards and 2) rules governing the following subjects that the federal OSHA does not address:

• Sanitation and Shelter Rules for Railroad Employees
• Hazardous Chemical Risks Right to Know – General Provisions
• Community Right to Know
• Public Safety/Emergency Response Right to Know
• Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation

Iowa OSHA applies only to state employers and private employers. However, OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Iowa

The Iowa OSHA main office is in Des Monies, Iowa. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, catastrophes, and worker complaints or referrals. Employees can report a workplace fatality, hospitalization, loss of an eye or amputation using the Iowa OSHA form. An employee can also file a complaint with Iowa OSHA. More information can be found at the Iowa OSHA website.

Kentucky OSHA

Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health (Kentucky OSH) has adopted all of OSHA’s regulations and standards and added additional requirements. According to the official OSHA website, Kentucky OSH adds additional requests to the following objects:

• Batteries
• Electrical Testing
• Safety Belts, Lanyards, and Life Lines
• Off Highway Motor Vehicles and Equipment
• Rollover Protective Structures and Overhead Equipment
• Fire Apparatus and Fire Department Facilities
• Refuse Collection and Compaction Equipment
• Receiving and Unloading Bulk Hazardous Liquids
• Employers Responsibilities Where Employees are Exposed to Toxic Substances
• Reporting Amputations or In Patient Hospitalizations
• Guarding Floor and Wall Openings
• Occupational Noise
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Control of Hazardous Energy
• Medical Services and First Aid
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Mechanical Power Presses
• Selection and Use of Work Practices (Electrical)
• Four, Four-Methulene bis (Two-Chloroaniline)
• Laboratory Activities
• Access to Worker Exposure and Medical Records
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Safety and Testing of Supply Lines in Excess of 600 Volts
• Refuse Collection and Compaction Equipment
• Receiving and Unloading Bulk Hazardous Liquids
• Employers Responsibilities Where Employees are Exposed to Toxic Substances
• Reporting Amputations or In Patient Hospitalizations
• Confined Space Entry
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Fall Protection
• Material Hoists, Personnel Hoists, and Elevators
• Steel Erection
• Blasting and Use of Explosives
• Power Transmission and Distribution

Kentucky OSH applies all state employers and private employers in Kentucky, except for the following exceptions:

• private sector maritime activities,
• Tennessee Valley Authority facilities,
• military personnel,
• the United States Postal Service (USPS),
• federal government workers, and
• issues of field sanitation and temporary labor camps in agriculture
  • There is an exception to the expectation for the following agricultural fields: temporary labor camps associated with egg, poultry, red meat production, or the post-harvest processing of agricultural or horticultural commodities.

The Kentucky OSH main office is in Frankfort, Kentucky. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. More information can be found at the Kentucky OSH website.

Maryland OSHA

Maryland’s heat standard sets forth extensive measures to ensure worker safety in high-heat environments. Employers are required to monitor the heat index regularly, especially in situations where the heat index exceeds 90°F. Preventive steps such as providing access to cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, and setting work-rest schedules are mandatory to protect employees from heat-related illnesses. Employers must also develop acclimatization procedures for workers newly exposed to heat or those returning after extended time off, helping them adjust gradually to high-heat conditions.

A significant component of the new standard is training. Employers must conduct initial training before any worker is exposed to heat, as well as annual refreshers or immediate training after any heat-related incidents. This training includes educating employees and supervisors on the dangers of heat exposure, recognizing symptoms like heat stroke and exhaustion, and understanding appropriate responses. Training must be provided in a language and manner that all workers can easily understand, empowering them to prevent and respond to heat-related health risks.

In addition to prevention and training, employers are also required to develop emergency response plans for managing heat-related incidents. These plans should include protocols for contacting supervisors or emergency medical services and ensuring that affected workers receive prompt care. Procedures must be in place to transport employees exhibiting symptoms of heat-related illness to appropriate medical facilities, ensuring swift action to mitigate the effects of such incidents.

Record-keeping is another key aspect of compliance with the Maryland heat standard. Employers are required to maintain detailed records of all training sessions, acclimatization schedules, and heat management procedures. These records must be readily available for review by regulatory bodies, demonstrating the employer’s commitment to meeting the heat standard’s requirements. Keeping proper records helps ensure that the necessary protective measures are being implemented consistently.

Overall, the Maryland heat standard provides comprehensive guidelines for employers to follow in order to protect their employees from the dangers of excessive heat exposure. By enforcing requirements such as monitoring heat levels, providing appropriate resources like water and shade, ensuring thorough training, and preparing for emergencies, the standard aims to significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in the workplace. These proactive measures are crucial to safeguarding worker health, particularly in industries and environments where heat exposure is common.

MOSH applies only to state employers and private employers. However, OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Maryland and private sector maritime employers.

OSHA’s main office is in Hunt Valley, Maryland. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, catastrophes, and worker complaints or referrals. For workers to file a complaint find requirements and information a thttp://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/mosh/complaintpage.shtml. More information can be found at the MOSH website.

Michigan OSHA

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), has adopted all of OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds a few additional requirements for restrictions on child labor.

MOSH applies to state employers and private employers. However, OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Michigan, private sector maritime employers, and private sector mining employees,

MIOSHA’s main office is in Lansing, Michigan, though it should be noted that as of August 10, 2015 the building is moving to a new location in Lansing. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, catastrophes, and worker complaints or referrals. Workers ean file a complaint online, or using a printable form. More information can be found at the MIOSHA website.

Minnesota OSHA

Minnesota’s version of OSHA, the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA), has adopted most of OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds a few additional requirements for Toxic chemical handling and exposure, agriculture workplaces, repetitive motion injuries, heat exposure, and noise exposure.

MNOSHA applies only to state employers and private employers. However, OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Minnesota, agricultural operations that that must meet field sanitation standards and temporary labor camps.

MNOSHA’s main office is in St. Paul, Minnesota. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. The requirements and forms for worker complaints are provided on the MNOSHA website. Employees can also review safety statistics on the website, or get more general information.

Worker’s compensation and COVID-19. House File (H.F.) 1203 extends the presumption that certain frontline healthcare workers contracted COVID-19 at work if they test positive. The prior presumption had expired on December 31, 2021. This extension applies to COVID-19 illnesses from February 4, 2022, through January 13, 2023. H.F. 1203 is not retroactive, so it does not grant a presumption to those who contracted COVID-19 between January 1, 2022, and February 3, 2022—the day before the effective date of the new law.  In 2020, Minnesota enacted legislation (Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 15 (f)) that created a rebuttable presumption that employees working in certain health and public-safety fields contracted COVID-19 at work if they tested positive for the disease. H.F. 1203 reaffirms that presumption, allowing those employees to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for their illnesses unless their employers can rebut the presumption that they contracted the virus at work. See House File (H.F.) 1203 for more information.

Nevada OSHA

The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA), has adopted most of OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds a few additional requirements for cranes, steel erection construction, asbestos, explosives, ammonium perchlorate and photovoltaic.

Nevada OSHA applies only to state employers and private employers. However, OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Nevada, private sector maritime, and employment on Indian Lands.

Nevada OSHA’s main office is in Henderson, Nevada. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. For workers to file a complaint, you may do so by the following ways:

• By Phone
  • Southern Nevada: (702) 486-9020
  • Northern Nevada: (775) 688-3700
• By mail (finding the form using the online instructions at http://dirweb.state.nv.us/OSHA/osha.htm)
  • Southern Nevada: Nevada OSHA, 1301 N Green Valley Pkwy Ste #200, Henderson, NV 89074;
  • Northern Nevada: Nevada OSHA, 4600 Kietzke Lane, Bldg F, Ste #153, Reno, NV 89502

More information can be found at the Nevada OSHA website.

New Mexico OSHA

The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) has adopted all of OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds a few additional requirements for public sector firefighters, convenience stores, field stations, and employment places that use short-handled hoes.

OHSB applies only to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. Federal OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of New Mexico, maritime industries, mining operations, employment on military bases, Indian reservations, and any employer that conducts business exclusively on federal jurisdiction.

OHSB’s main office is in Santa Fe, New Mexico. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Employers and employees can request a free safety and health consultation. More information can be found at the OHSB website.

Oregon OSHA

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) has adopted all of OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds a few additional requirements for restrictions on employers that work in forest, agriculture, and firefighter and pesticide protections.

Oregon’s heat rule requires employers, when the heat index is 90°F. or higher, to provide a 10-minute cool-down rest period in the shade for every two hours of work. The rest area must be as close as practical to the work area. Employers must also provide enough cool or cold water for every employee to drink a quart for each hour on the job. Supervisors also must monitor workers for symptoms of heat illness.

OR-OSHA applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Oregon, private maritime employers, private contractors on military reservations, private contractors at Crater Lake National Park, and employers on Indian Reservations.

OR-OSHA’s main office is in Salem, Oregon, as of July 20^th, 2015 the building as moved. Check OR-OSHA’s main page to find the new building. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, catastrophes, and worker complaints or referrals. Workers may file a complaint online. More information can be found at the OR-OSHA website.

South Carolina OSHA

The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Plan (SCOSH) has adopted similar standards as OSHA’s regulations and standards and does not add any unique standards.

SCOSH applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of South Carolina, private maritime employers, private contractors on military reservations, and private contractors at Savannah River and Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority.

SCOSH’s main office is in Columbia, South Carolina. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Employees can find data on employers at the federal OSHA website. Workers can file a complaint by filing out this form, and follow these instructions. More information can be found at the SCOSHA website.

Tennessee OSHA

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TOSHA) has adopted similar standards as OSHA’s regulations and standards and adds some additional regulations for Toxic Chemicals and Handling.

TOSHA applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Tennessee, private maritime employers, private contractors on military bases, private railroad employers, and employment related to the Tennessee Valley Authority facilities.

TOSHA’s main office is in Nashville, Tennessee. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals.

Employers can file a complaint using the following methods:

• Calling one of the local offices,
• Submitting an online form,
• Mail a printable form to Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Occupational Safety and Health, 220 French Landing Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37243

More information can be found at the TOSHA website.

Utah OSHA

The Utah Occupational Safety and Health (Utah OSHA) has adopted the exact standards of OSHA and adds additional standards for toxic chemical handling and exposure, agriculture, and child labor.

Utah OSHA applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Utah, private maritime employers, private employers at Hill Air Force Base and Tooele Army Depot, private employers at the Tooele Chemical Demilitarization Facility, some agricultural related operations that have temporary labor camps and field sanitation areas.

Utah OSHA’s main office is in Salt Lake City, Utah. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Workers can file a complaint by filing out and online form. More information can be found at the Utah OSHA webiste.

Vermont OSHA

The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Program (VOSHA) has adopted the exact standards of OSHA and adds additional standards to permissible exposure limitations and lineworker safety protections.

VOSHA applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Vermont, private maritime employers, and private employers on military bases.

VOSHA main office is in Montpelier, Vermont. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Workers can file a complaint online. More information can be found at the VOSHA website.

Virginia OSHA

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VOSH) has adopted the exact standards of OSHA and adds additional standards to confined spaces in the construction and telecommunication industries, overhead high voltage line safety, fall protection in steel erection, tree trimming, and added compliances for manufacture’s instruction for vehicles, machinery tools and equipment in general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture.

VOSH applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Virginia, private maritime employers, and private employees on military facilities.

VOSH main office is in Richmond, Virginia. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Workers can file a complaint  by following the steps outlined by theDepartment. More information can be found at the VOSH website.

Washington OSHA

Washington employers with outdoor workers are required to maintain outdoor heat-exposure prevention plans, provide annual heat-exposure training to employees and supervisors to prevent illness, and increase the amount of drinking water available to workers and opportunities to drink it. The rule is effective annually between May 1 and September 30. See the rule for more information.

Under the emergency amendments to the existing rule, Washington employers are required to take extra precautions, starting June 15, 2022, which include:

• ensuring a “sufficient quantity of suitably cool drinking water is “readily accessible to employees at all times”;
• providing access to shade or comparable opportunities to “reduce body temperature,” if at least equally effective to shade (which could include air-conditioned spaces or vehicles);
• educating workers about the importance of preventative cool-down periods to protect against overheating and paying employees during those preventative periods;
• when the temperature is 89 degrees Fahrenheit or higher:
  • mandating paid cool-down rest periods of ten minutes every two hours;
  • implementing a system by which employees can communicate with their supervisor when necessary (e.g., cell phones in areas with reliable service); and
  • closely observing employees for signs of heat-related illness; and
• training employees about the requirements under the emergency rule.

Washington also requires employers to take specific preventative measures to ensure worker safety when workers will be exposed to wildfire smoke. Under the emergency rule, Washington employers are required to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and take specific action when workers are exposed to AQI levels of 69 or higher. Additional requirements are imposed when the AQI measures from 101 and 500, and higher than 500. See the rule for more information.

Wyoming OSHA

The Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Wyoming OSHA) does give substantially similar protection as OSHA, however Wyoming OSHA’s wording deviates the most compared to the other state’s OSHA. While Wyoming does cover some sections left out via a state law called the Wyoming Safety Act. Additionally Wyoming OSHA is not allowed to have stricter rules than OSHA, but is allowed to cover employment fields that OSHAS does not cover. Additionally, Wyoming has unique standards for Oil and gas well drilling fields and child labor.

Wyoming OSHA applies to state employers and private employers, with a few exceptions. OSHA applies to all federal employers within the state of Wyoming, private sector maritime employers, private contractors at Warren Air Force Base and Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserve in Casper, agricultural employers that have field sanitation and temporary labor camps.

Wyoming OSHA’s main office is in Cheyenne, Wyoming. From time to time compliance officers may inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and then issue situations. The inspections occur due to regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. More information can be found at WyomingWorkforce.org.