Alabama (Federal OSHA)
Alabama has no state OSHA plan, so federal OSHA covers private employers. Auto and aircraft plants, steel and paper mills, poultry processing, shipbuilding in Mobile and fast-growing construction mean many Alabamians work around machinery and heavy loads, and long, hot, humid summers make heat a real hazard.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Alabama
At a glance
| Safety agency | Federal OSHA, Region 4 (Atlanta), with area offices in Alabama |
|---|---|
| Covers | Private employers. State and local government workers aren’t covered by OSHA in Alabama. |
| Rules | Federal standards: 29 CFR 1926 (construction), 1910 (general industry) and 1915 (shipyards) |
| Free employer help | OSHA On-Site Consultation Program for small and medium businesses (check OSHA’s directory for the current provider) |
| Workers’ comp | Alabama Department of Workforce, Workers’ Compensation Division; required for employers with 5 or more employees |
Workers’ comp in Alabama
- Employers with 5 or more employees (excluding some contractors) must carry coverage.
- Tell your employer about the injury within 5 days. Notice generally must be given within 90 days at the latest. Do it in writing and keep a copy.
- The employer generally chooses the first doctor. Ask who you should see before getting treatment so your bills are covered.
- A lawsuit to recover compensation generally must be filed within 2 years of the injury, or of the last payment. Deadlines differ for occupational diseases.
See Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim.
Alabama hazards to watch
- Heat and humidity: Alabama has no state heat rule, but federal OSHA expects water, rest, shade and acclimatization. See Heat Illness Rules by State.
- Manufacturing: machine guarding, lockout and forklifts. See Machine Guarding.
- Poultry and food plants: knives, ammonia and sanitation work. See Food Processing Plant Safety.
- Shipyards and docks: see Shipyard Workers.
- Tornadoes and hurricanes: know your shelter and evacuation plan. See Severe Weather.
Report, complain and get help
- Severe injuries: report a death within 8 hours and an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours to federal OSHA.
- Safety complaints: federal OSHA online or at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
- Retaliation: file with OSHA within 30 days. See Whistleblower Protection.
- Free consultation: confidential visits that don’t lead to citations. See OSHA Consultation.
Your first-week checklist in Alabama
- Ask who the company’s workers’ comp doctor is
- Report any injury within 5 days, in writing
- Check the heat plan: water, shade, rest breaks and easing in new workers
- Learn lockout and machine guarding rules if you work around equipment
- Save federal OSHA’s number: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
Note: This page is a summary. Check federal OSHA and the Alabama Department of Workforce for current rules.
Standards & references
- OSHA: Alabama offices
- Alabama: Benefits and claims filing (workers’ comp)
- OSHA: On-Site Consultation directory
- See also: States Covered by Federal OSHA
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: Alabama Worker Rights
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