Who Regulates Workplace Safety in the United States

Understanding who enforces workplace safety in each state is essential for facility managers, maintenance supervisors, and public‑sector administrators. While OSHA sets the national safety standards, enforcement authority varies widely depending on the state. Some states rely entirely on Federal OSHA, others operate their own State OSHA Plans, and a few run public‑sector‑only OSHA programs. Ohio is unique in using PERRP for public‑sector enforcement.

This page provides a clear, state‑by‑state breakdown of enforcement authority across the United States.

National Enforcement Models

Workplace safety enforcement in the U.S. follows four distinct models:

• Federal OSHA states — OSHA enforces private‑sector workplaces; public‑sector workers have no OSHA enforcement.

• Full State OSHA Plans — State agencies enforce OSHA‑aligned rules for both private and public employers.

• Public‑Sector‑Only OSHA Plans — Federal OSHA covers private employers; the state enforces OSHA‑aligned rules for public employers.

• Ohio’s PERRP model — Federal OSHA covers private employers; PERRP enforces OSHA‑aligned rules for public employers (no fines, administrative enforcement).

Federal OSHA States (Private Sector Only)

These states rely entirely on Federal OSHA for private‑sector enforcement. Public‑sector workers have no OSHA‑type enforcement agency.

• Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska

• New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Full State OSHA Plans (Private + Public Sector)

These states operate their own OSHA‑approved State Plans. Their state OSHA agencies enforce safety rules for both private and public employers and can issue fines to public agencies.

• Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina

• Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming

Public‑Sector‑Only OSHA Plans

In these states, Federal OSHA enforces private‑sector workplaces, while the state enforces OSHA‑aligned rules for public‑sector employers.

• Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York

Ohio’s Unique Enforcement Model

Ohio is the only state that uses this structure:

• Private sector: Federal OSHA

• Public sector: PERRP (Public Employment Risk Reduction Program)

  • OSHA‑aligned standards

  • No monetary fines

  • Legally binding abatement orders

  • Administrative enforcement under Ohio Revised Code 4167

PERRP is unique to Ohio and does not exist in any other state.

U.S. Territories (For Reference)

• Puerto Rico — Full State OSHA Plan (private + public)

• U.S. Virgin Islands — Public‑sector‑only OSHA Plan

Why Enforcement Structure Matters

Even though enforcement varies by state, the standards themselves do not change. OSHA regulations, NFPA 70B, and NFPA 70E define the nationally recognized minimum for:

• Electrical safety

• HVAC maintenance

• Preventive maintenance programs

• Hazard control

• Documentation and recordkeeping

Understanding who enforces these standards in each state helps facility managers:

• Identify their regulatory authority

• Prepare for inspections

• Develop compliant PM programs

• Manage risk and liability

• Align documentation with enforcement expectations

Federal Facilities and OSHA Oversight

All federal facilities fall under OSHA’s enforcement authority, regardless of the state in which they operate. Federal agencies are required to comply with OSHA standards under Executive Order 12196 and 29 CFR Part 1960, which establish a nationwide safety and health program for federal employees. OSHA conducts inspections, issues citations, and mandates abatement in federal workplaces, but—unlike private‑sector employers—federal agencies are not subject to monetary fines. Instead, OSHA issues Notices of Unsafe or Unhealthful Working Conditions, and the agency must correct the hazards within defined timeframes. This creates a compliance structure that mirrors OSHA enforcement in the private sector, but uses administrative corrective action rather than financial penalties.