OSHA laws apply to every workplace. Here are the primary employer responsibilities according to OSHA:
Employers must provide their employees with a workplace that does not have serious hazards and follow all OSHA safety and health standards. Employers must find and correct safety and health problems and are required to eliminate or reduce hazards first by changing working conditions rather than just relying on masks, gloves, ear plugs or other personal protective equipment (PPE). Switching to safer chemicals, enclosing processes to trap harmful fumes, or using ventilation systems to clean the air are examples of effective ways to reduce risks.
For specific planning around slips, trips and access, see Corridors and Walkways Safety Plan.
Employer responsibilities
- Inform employees about hazards through training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems, chemical information sheets and other methods.
- Keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- Perform tests in the workplace, such as air sampling required by some OSHA standards.
- Provide hearing exams or other medical tests required by OSHA standards.
- Post OSHA citations, injury and illness data, and the OSHA poster in the workplace where workers will see them.
- Notify OSHA within 8 hours of a workplace incident in which there is a death or when three or more workers go to a hospital.
- Not discriminate or retaliate against a worker for using their rights.
Employers looking for broader prevention and safety program guidance may also review resources on Occupational Safety, Injury Prevention, Fraud Risk, and Insurance to align safety practices with risk management and insurance considerations.
Note that additional state laws and regulations may also apply. Contact your state OSHA office or consult official resources for details, and if you have questions about insurance or compliance, you can talk to an agent about your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must employers do to correct hazards?
Employers must first try to eliminate or reduce hazards by changing work processes or equipment rather than relying only on personal protective equipment.
How should employers inform employees about workplace hazards?
Employers should use training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems and information sheets to communicate hazards clearly.
When must an employer notify OSHA about an incident?
An employer must notify OSHA within eight hours if a workplace incident causes a death or if three or more workers are hospitalized.
Are employers required to keep injury and illness records?
Yes, employers must keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses as part of OSHA compliance.