Who Does OSHA Protect?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration creates and enforces regulations regarding workplace safety and health standards. OSHA covers most employees in the U.S. under its jurisdiction, including the private sector, state and local government, and federal government employees.

Private Sector Employees

• OSHA covers private sector employers along with employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other U.S. jurisdictions. OSHA covers these employers and employees either through federal OSHA programs or through OSHA-approved state programs.

State and Local Government Employees

• Federal OSHA does not cover employees who work for state and local government. Instead, they are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act protections in states that have an OSHA-approved state program.

Federal Government Employees

• Federal agencies are required to have a safety and health program that equals that of private employers. OSHA does not fine federal agencies. However, it does monitor federal agencies and responds to complaints. Federal OSHA covers the United States Postal Service.