What Is OSHA?

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is the federal agency that sets and enforces workplace safety and health rules in the United States. It is part of the U.S. Department of Labor.

• Construction
• General Industry

Where OSHA came from

Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) in 1970, and OSHA opened in 1971. Its mission is to make sure workers have safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach and assistance.

Who OSHA covers

• Most private-sector employers and workers in all 50 states and U.S. territories, either directly by federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state plan.
• State and local government workers are covered only in states with a state plan.
• Not covered: the self-employed, immediate family members of farm employers, and workplaces regulated by another federal agency (for example, mines are covered by MSHA).

How the rules work

• Standards: OSHA’s rules are in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The main parts are Part 1926 for construction and Part 1910 for general industry.
• The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act: employers must keep the workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm, even if there is no specific standard for that hazard.
• Workers’ duty, Section 5(b): employees must comply with the safety and health rules that apply to their own actions.

What OSHA does

• Writes and updates standards
• Inspects workplaces and issues citations and penalties. See OSHA Inspections.
• Provides free On-Site Consultation for small businesses (separate from enforcement)
• Runs training and outreach programs, including the 10- and 30-hour courses
• Protects workers from retaliation. See Whistleblower Protection.

Last updated: October 1, 2026