Illinois Workplace Safety Requirements (2026)
Illinois OSHA requirements, safety training mandates, certifications, and salary data for Illinois workers. Federal OSHA rules and state-specific info
Illinois operates under Federal OSHA for private sector workers. The state doesn’t run its own OSHA plan. However, Illinois has some state-specific safety requirements, and the Chicago metro area has a large and active construction market with strong union influence on safety standards.
Illinois does cover public sector workers through the Illinois State Plan for Public Employees, making it one of a few states with a public-sector-only state plan.
What You Need to Know
Public sector coverage Illinois operates a state plan covering state and local government workers only. This is administered by the Illinois Department of Labor. Private sector workers are covered by Federal OSHA.
Strong union presence Chicago’s construction industry has a strong union presence. Union construction projects typically require OSHA 10 for all workers and OSHA 30 for foremen and above, regardless of any state mandate. Union safety training programs often exceed minimum requirements.
Day and Temporary Labor Act Illinois has specific protections for day laborers and temporary workers, including requirements for safety training in the worker’s primary language.
Training Requirements
Federal OSHA training requirements apply. Illinois adds:
- Lead poisoning prevention Illinois has lead paint abatement licensing and training requirements through the Illinois Department of Public Health
- Asbestos State licensing through IDPH for asbestos abatement professionals, project designers, inspectors, and management planners
- Day laborer safety training Staffing agencies must provide safety training relevant to the job assignment
OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 are not mandated by state law, but are effectively required on most large Chicago-area construction projects due to contractor and union requirements.
Key Industries
Construction Chicago metro has one of the largest construction markets in the Midwest. Commercial high-rise, infrastructure, and industrial projects. O’Hare airport expansion, transit projects, and data center construction drive demand.
Manufacturing Illinois is a major manufacturing state. Food processing (especially in Chicago), machinery, chemicals, and metal fabrication.
Logistics and warehousing Chicago is a national logistics hub. Rail, trucking, and warehouse operations across the western suburbs and I-55/I-80 corridors. Forklift certification in high demand.
Healthcare Major hospital systems in Chicago, Springfield, and throughout the state.
Energy Nuclear power plants (Illinois has more than any other state), refineries, and growing renewable energy installations.
Safety Professional Salary in Illinois
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $52,000 - $62,000 |
| Mid-career | $62,000 - $80,000 |
| Experienced | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| Senior / Director | $100,000 - $135,000+ |
Mean annual salary: $80,000-$85,000 (BLS OEWS, SOC 29-9011).
Chicago metro area pays the highest in the state. Downstate Illinois runs 15-20% lower. Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois have its own OSHA program? Partially. Illinois has a public-sector-only state plan covering state and local government workers. Private sector workers are covered by Federal OSHA.
Do I need OSHA 10 to work in Chicago? Not by state law. But most large general contractors and all union construction projects in Chicago require OSHA 10 for workers and OSHA 30 for supervisors. If you’re working Chicago construction, get your cards.