Virginia (VOSH)
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH), part of the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), runs Virginia’s state plan for most private and public employers. Virginia adopts most federal standards, plus a set of “Virginia-unique” standards written in response to deaths and injuries in the state.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- Virginia
At a glance
| Agency | VOSH, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and local government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers and private-sector shipyards and maritime work. |
| Rules | Virginia Administrative Code, Title 16, Agency 25 (16VAC25) |
| Free employer help | VOSH Consultation Services |
Virginia-unique standards
- Reverse signal operation (16VAC25-97): backing vehicles, machinery and equipment in construction and general industry must follow specific procedures, including using a trained ground guide when the operator’s view to the rear is obstructed. See Backing & Spotters.
- Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act: before work within 10 feet of overhead high-voltage lines, the person responsible must notify the line operator and arrange safety measures such as de-energizing, moving or insulating the lines.
- Tree trimming operations (16VAC25-73): rules for tree work, including near power lines.
- Telecommunications: confined space and approach distance rules for telecom work (16VAC25-70 and -75).
- Fall protection in steel erection (16VAC25-145): stricter than the federal steel erection rule in some situations.
- Manufacturer’s instructions: Virginia requires employers to follow manufacturers’ instructions for vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment.
- Sanitation: Virginia has its own construction and agricultural field sanitation rules.
Other Virginia points
- Asbestos: the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licenses asbestos workers, supervisors, contractors and inspectors, and the licensing law has no general homeowner exemption. See Asbestos Rules by State.
- Free help: VOSH Consultation Services offers free, confidential help, and VOSH runs Virginia’s Voluntary Protection Program.
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 VOSH for current procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with VOSH online, by phone or in writing.
- Virginia law protects workers who report hazards or take part in VOSH activities. File a discrimination complaint with VOSH as soon as possible; Virginia’s deadline is short.
Note: This page is a summary. Check VOSH’s website for current rules.
Standards & references
- Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
- VOSH: Virginia-unique standards
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: Virginia Worker Rights
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