Oregon Workplace Safety Requirements (2026)
Oregon OSHA requirements, heat illness rules, safety training mandates, and salary data for Oregon workers. State plan details and key industries
Oregon operates its own OSHA program called Oregon OSHA, administered by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. Oregon OSHA covers all private and public sector workers and has adopted several standards that exceed federal OSHA.
Oregon is known for proactive safety rulemaking, particularly around heat illness, wildfire smoke, and agricultural worker protections.
What Makes Oregon Different
Heat Illness Prevention (OAR 437-002-0156) Oregon adopted permanent heat illness prevention rules after the 2021 heat dome that killed dozens of workers. Employers must provide water, shade, rest breaks, and acclimatization protocols. At 80°F, basic protections apply. At 90°F, enhanced protections kick in including mandatory 10-minute rest breaks every 2 hours. This is among the strictest heat standards in the country.
Wildfire Smoke (OAR 437-002-1081) Oregon’s wildfire smoke rule requires employers to monitor AQI and take protective actions when PM2.5 reaches 101 or higher. At higher levels, respiratory protection is required. Oregon was one of the first states to adopt a permanent wildfire smoke rule.
Fall Protection Oregon OSHA’s fall protection standards include requirements specific to residential construction and roofing that go beyond federal OSHA in some areas.
Agricultural Worker Protections Oregon has enhanced protections for agricultural workers including heat illness prevention, pesticide exposure, and housing standards.
Safety Committees Oregon requires safety committees at workplaces with 11+ employees and safety meetings at smaller workplaces. Committee membership, training, and meeting frequency are specified in Oregon Administrative Rules.
Key Industries
Technology Intel, major data center operations, and the Silicon Forest in the Portland metro area. Semiconductor fabrication creates specialized EHS needs including chemical exposure and cleanroom safety.
Forestry and wood products Oregon is one of the top timber-producing states. Logging, sawmills, and wood product manufacturing are among the most hazardous industries. Fall protection, chainsaw safety, and equipment operation are critical.
Agriculture Wine grapes, nursery stock, berries, and other crops across the Willamette Valley and eastern Oregon. Heat illness and pesticide exposure are primary concerns.
Construction Portland metro area has strong construction activity. Commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.
Manufacturing Food processing, metals, and electronics manufacturing.
Safety Professional Salary in Oregon
| Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $52,000 - $62,000 |
| Mid-career | $62,000 - $82,000 |
| Experienced | $82,000 - $100,000 |
| Senior / Director | $100,000 - $130,000+ |
Mean annual salary: $82,000+ (BLS OEWS, SOC 29-9011).
Portland metro area salaries run higher. Oregon has a state income tax (up to 9.9%) but no sales tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oregon have its own OSHA program? Yes. Oregon OSHA covers all private and public sector workers. Standards must meet or exceed federal OSHA, and Oregon has adopted several stricter rules, particularly for heat illness and wildfire smoke.
What are Oregon’s heat illness rules? Oregon’s permanent heat rule requires protections starting at 80°F, with enhanced measures at 90°F. Employers must provide water, shade, rest breaks, and acclimatization schedules. Mandatory 10-minute cool-down breaks every 2 hours at 90°F+. These rules are among the strictest in the nation.
Do I need OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 in Oregon? Not required by state law. Oregon OSHA has its own training requirements that are satisfied through employer-provided training. However, OSHA cards are commonly expected by general contractors in Portland and throughout the state.