Governing Regulations
Workplace safety and health in general industry are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is a U.S. federal agency dedicated to ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. These regulations are designed to protect workers from hazards such as exposure to dangerous chemicals, machinery accidents, falls, and other workplace risks.
The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) compiles the rules and regulations of the U.S. government, including those enforced by OSHA. OSHA’s regulations for general industry are primarily found in Title 29 of the CFR, which is divided into various parts addressing specific safety and health topics.
Key governing regulations for general industry include:
- 29 CFR Part 1910 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry
- Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) – Governing the proper labeling and handling of hazardous chemicals
- Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147) – Establishing procedures to prevent accidental machine startups during maintenance
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements – Guidelines for selecting and using appropriate PPE to protect workers
