Workplace Safety Requirements by State (2026)

Every state has different rules for workplace safety. Some states run their own OSHA programs with stricter-than-federal requirements. Others operate under Federal OSHA. Your state determines which certifications you need, what training is required, and how enforcement works.

Federal OSHA vs. State OSHA Plans

There are two types of workplace safety programs in the U.S.:

Federal OSHA covers workers in states that don’t have their own approved plan. Most states fall into this category. Federal OSHA sets the baseline standards under 29 CFR Parts 1910 (General Industry) and 1926 (Construction).

State OSHA Plans are state-run programs approved by federal OSHA. These states must meet or exceed federal standards but can add their own requirements. Twenty-two states and territories currently operate State Plans covering both private and public sector workers.

If you work in a state with its own plan, your state’s rules apply. And they can be stricter than the federal version.

States with Their Own OSHA Plans

These states run their own OSHA-approved workplace safety programs:

Several additional states (Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virgin Islands) operate State Plans covering public sector workers only.

What State Pages Cover

Each state guide on SafetyRegulatory.com includes:

• OSHA plan status Whether the state runs its own plan or follows Federal OSHA
• State-specific certification requirements Which certifications are required by state law
• Top industries The largest industries in the state and their safety needs
• Salary data What safety professionals earn in that state (from BLS OEWS data)
• Training providers Where to find safety training in the state
• Regulatory contacts Links to the state’s OSHA agency or regulatory body

Browse by State

State OSHA Plan States

These states run their own programs. Click through for state-specific rules that go beyond federal OSHA.

• Arizona. ADOSH, semiconductor construction boom, extreme heat considerations
• California. Cal/OSHA, strictest state program, heat illness and IIPP requirements
• Michigan. MIOSHA, automotive manufacturing hub, EV battery production
• Nevada. OSHA 10 mandate for construction workers, gaming/entertainment safety
• North Carolina. NC OSH, Research Triangle biotech, growing manufacturing
• Oregon. Strict heat illness and wildfire smoke rules, forestry and tech
• Washington. DOSH/WISHA, aerospace, heat/smoke protections, safety committees required

Federal OSHA States

These states follow federal OSHA standards. Many have city-level requirements or industry-specific needs.

• Florida. Year-round construction, tourism, aerospace, no state income tax
• Georgia. Atlanta logistics hub, automotive manufacturing, rapid growth
• Illinois. Chicago construction (strong union presence), logistics hub, manufacturing
• New York. NYC Local Law 196 (OSHA 10/30 mandate), PESH for public workers
• Ohio. Manufacturing powerhouse, Intel fab project, BWC safety incentives
• Pennsylvania. Philadelphia OSHA 30 requirement, pharma, Marcellus Shale
• Texas. Largest construction market, oil and gas, no state income tax

More state pages coming soon. Check your state’s page for specific requirements, or browse our certifications directory to find what training you need regardless of location.

For salary comparisons across all states, see Safety Professional Salary by State.