Who is not protected by OSHA?

Asked by: Ariel Lubowitz  |  Last update: July 10, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)

Those not covered by the OSH Act include: self-employed workers, immediate family members of farm employers, and workers whose hazards are regulated by another federal agency (for example, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, or Coast Guard).

Who is not covered by the OSHA?

The categories of workers not covered by federal OSHA include volunteers and temporary workers, self-employed workers, family members of farm workers, workers in industries regulated by an agency other than OSHA, and state and local government employees.

Who is exempt from OSHA standards?

Employers and businesses that are not covered by OSHA include family farms, and industries that are regulated by a federal agency other than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Family-owned farms that employ only immediate family members are not covered under the OSH Act.

Does OSHA cover everyone?

The OSH Act provides workplace safety and health protection to most private sector employers and their workers, and federally covered public sector employers and workers in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions.

Which of the following employees are not covered by OSHA?

The following types of workers may be covered by the OSH Act, but they aren't covered by the OSHA: Federal government employees. State/local government employees. Self-employed workers.

Who Is Not Covered By OSHA Act? - CountyOffice.org

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Who are exempt from OSHA coverage?

Who is exempt from OSHA?
  • Self Employed Workers – Full Exemption. Under the OSH Act, the term “employer” means that a “person” is engaged in business and has employees. ...
  • Employers with Ten Employees or Less – Partial Exemption. ...
  • Federal and State Regulated Industries – Full exemption.

Do OSHA regulations apply to all employees?

The OSH Act covers most private-sector employees and their workers in all states and territories of the country. However, there are 22 states that have developed their own employee safety programs, approved by OSHA.

Who is covered under OSHA?

The OSH Act covers most private sector employers and their workers, in addition to some public sector employers and workers in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority.

Are volunteers exempt from OSHA?

Federal OSHA does not generally cover volunteers, unless they are compensated in some way and would therefore be considered employees.

Are all jobs covered by OSHA?

Cal/OSHA has jurisdiction over almost every workplace in California. This means Cal/OSHA is the main government agency authorized to inspect California workplaces for occupational safety and health violations. Cal/OSHA lacks jurisdiction in only a few limited areas.

Who is covered by OSHA What are the exceptions?

Cal/OSHA covers virtually all employees in the state, including those employed by state and local government. There are some limited exceptions to Cal/OSHA jurisdiction, such as federal employees and offshore maritime workers.

What is the biggest OSHA fine?

Overview of the Top 5 Largest OSHA Fines
  1. BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill (2010): $81,340,000.
  2. BP America Refinery Explosion (2005): $21,361,500. ...
  3. IMC Fertilizer/Angus Chemical Fertilizer Plant Blast (1991): $11,550,000. ...
  4. Imperial Sugar Company Explosion (2008): $8,777,500. ...
  5. Kleen Energy Natural Gas Explosion (2010): $8,347,000. ...

Are public employees covered by OSHA?

State and Local Government Workers

Workers at state and local government agencies are not covered by OSHA, but have OSH Act protections if they work in states that have an OSHA-approved State Plan.

What workers are exempt from OSHA standards?

These few exceptions include the self-employed, immediate family members of farm employers and any employer where workplace hazards are regulated by another federal agency such as MSHA or the FAA.

Do small businesses have to comply with OSHA?

Small businesses with ten or fewer employees are partially exempt, meaning they are required to follow OSHA regulations; however, they are not required to maintain OSHA injury and illness records unless informed otherwise in writing by OSHA or the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Can I refuse to work if I feel unsafe?

If the condition clearly presents a risk of death or serious physical harm, there is not sufficient time for OSHA to inspect, and, where possible, you have brought the condition to the attention of your employer, you may have a legal right to refuse to work in a situation in which you would be exposed to the hazard.

Who is not covered by OSHA?

Those not covered by the OSH Act include: self-employed workers, immediate family members of farm employers, and workers whose hazards are regulated by another federal agency (for example, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, or Coast Guard).

Are volunteers protected from liability?

Fortunately, a federal law—the Volunteer Protection Act—provides volunteers with significant protections from liability associated with volunteer activity1 in every state but one. 2 Some states also have laws that provide additional protections for volunteers.

What employers are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act?

Employees exempt from the FLSA typically must be paid a salary above a certain level and work in an administrative, professional, executive, computer or outside sales role. The Department of Labor (DOL) has a duties test that can help employers determine who meets this exemption criteria.

Are volunteers covered under OSHA?

While OSHA does not directly cover volunteer emergency responders, some OSHA State Plans treat volunteers as employees under state law, which is how a federal proposed standard could affect volunteer responders in those State Plan states.

What are the top 10 OSHA violations?

10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Violations in 2024
  • Fall Protection (General) 6,307.
  • Hazard Communication. 2,888.
  • Ladders. 2,573.
  • Respiratory Protection. 2,470.
  • Control of Hazardous Energy. (Lockout/Tagout) 2,443.
  • Powered Industrial Trucks. 2,248.
  • Fall Protection (Training) 2,050.
  • Scaffolding. 1,873.

Are nonprofits exempt from OSHA?

Therefore, any charitable or non-profit organization which employs one or more employees is covered under the Williams-Steiger Act and is required to comply with its provisions and the regulations issued thereunder.

Who is subject to OSHA?

OSHA covers most private sector employers and their workers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. jurisdictions either directly through Federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state program.

When would OSHA standards not apply?

Exemptions for Self-Employed and Family Farms

Among those exempt from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations are self-employed individuals and immediate family members of farm employers who do not hire outside labor.

What jobs does OSHA apply to?

Almost all construction, repair, and general industry laborers are required to obtain OSHA certification. The goal of certification in safety training is to begin preparing individuals to work safely.