Who is covered under OSHA regulations?

The coverage of OSHA regulations primarily includes most private sector employers and employees. This encompasses a wide range of industries and workplaces, ensuring that employees in diverse sectors are safeguarded from occupational hazards. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has been established to promote a safe and healthful working environment by setting and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

The variety of industries covered under OSHA means that millions of workers are protected from safety and health risks in their workplaces, ranging from construction to manufacturing to retail. The intent is to ensure that employees have the rights to work in environments where safety standards are maintained, reducing the likelihood of work-related injuries and illnesses.

In contrast, federal employees fall under the jurisdiction of different safety regulations, self-employed individuals typically are not covered by OSHA unless they engage in certain activities that affect employees, and family members working on family farms have specific exclusions and do not fall under the same purview as regular employees working in other private sectors. The intent of OSHA is to cover as many employees in varying work environments as possible to uphold workplace safety standards.