Who is Covered by OSHA?

In general, private-sector employers and private-sector employees are covered by the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). The OSH Act is enforced either directly through the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or through an OSHA-approved state program.

Covered Employers

Private-sector employers are generally subject to the OSH Act. Under the OSH Act, an "employer" is a person engaged in business affecting commerce who has employees, but does not include the U.S. or any state or political subdivision of a state. According to OSHA regulations, any employer employing one or more employees would be an "employer engaged in a business affecting commerce who has employees" and, therefore, covered by the OSH Act.