{"id":4738,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:41","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/osha-and-workplace-safety.html"},"modified":"2026-09-01T09:04:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:04:12","slug":"osha-and-workplace-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/osha-and-workplace-safety.html","title":{"rendered":"What OSHA Workplace Safety Rules Must Small Businesses Follow?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What OSHA Workplace Safety Rules Must Small Businesses Follow?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

OSHA<\/span> requirements<\/span> are a set of federal and state standards that employers must follow to ensure a workplace is free from recognized hazards. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act<\/span> of 1970 (OSH Act<\/span>), all employers have a general duty to provide a safe work environment<\/span>, even those with only one employee. While specific recordkeeping<\/span> obligations are often less stringent for companies with 10 or fewer employees, all small businesses<\/span> must understand their duties regarding safety training<\/span>, workplace postings, and injury reporting to ensure compliance.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

This article reviews OSHA<\/span> standards<\/span> for small business<\/span> owners<\/span> and what you must do for workplace safety<\/span>. For guidance tailored to your specific business needs, consider contacting a local employment law attorney<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Is a Workplace Hazard<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Before diving into your responsibilities, it’s important to understand what the Occupational Safety and Health Administration<\/span> (OSHA<\/span>) considers a hazard<\/a>. OSHA<\/span> is the federal agency<\/span> that oversees job <\/span>safety<\/span> programs<\/span> and inspections.<\/p>\n

OSHA<\/span> defines a workplace hazard<\/span> as any source of possible harm, damage, or adverse health impact on someone or something in workplace conditions. This includes substances, conditions, or situations that could expose workers to health issues, risk property damage, or lead to injuries. The OSH Act<\/span>‘s General Duty Clause<\/a> requires your workplace to be free from these types of serious hazards.<\/p>\n

Core OSHA<\/span> Obligations for Small Businesses<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the U.S. Department of Labor<\/span><\/a>, all employers have core responsibilities under the OSH Act<\/span>. These include:<\/p>\n