Iowa (Iowa OSHA)
Iowa OSHA runs Iowa’s state plan for most private and public employers. It enforces standards that are essentially the same as federal OSHA’s, and it runs a separate, free consultation program for employers.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- Iowa
At a glance
| Agency | Iowa OSHA, part of the state’s labor services division (moved into the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing in a 2023 reorganization) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and local government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers and some maritime work. |
| Rules | Federal construction and general industry standards adopted by Iowa (Iowa Code Chapter 88 and Iowa Administrative Code) |
| Free employer help | Iowa OSHA Consultation and Education |
Key Iowa points
- Standards: Iowa adopts federal OSHA standards, so the federal rules on this site generally apply.
- Agriculture and grain: farms, grain elevators, feed mills and ethanol plants bring serious engulfment, dust explosion and machinery hazards. See Grain Handling and Farm Safety.
- Weather: summer heat and humidity, severe storms and tornadoes, and winter cold. See Heat Illness and Tornadoes.
- Meat and food processing: repetitive motion, knives, chemicals and ammonia refrigeration. See Ammonia Refrigeration.
Reporting injuries
Employers must report work-related deaths within 8 hours, and in-patient hospitalizations, amputations and loss of an eye within 24 hours. Check Iowa OSHA for current reporting procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with Iowa OSHA online, by phone or in writing.
- Iowa law protects workers who report hazards or injuries. The deadline to file a retaliation complaint is short (generally 30 days), so file right away.
Note: This page is a summary. Agency names and procedures change; check Iowa OSHA’s website for current rules and contact information.
Standards & references
- OSHA: Iowa state plan
- See also: State Plan Directory
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