OSHA covers most private sector employers and employees in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. jurisdictions either directly through Federal OSHA or through an OSHA- approved state plan. State-run health and safety plans must be at least as effective as the Federal OSHA program.

Where do OSHA rules apply?

OSHA’s regulations apply only to employer-employee relationship and not to employer activities that can affect the general public.

Do OSHA rules apply to small business?

In other words, while small businesses are exempt from some OSHA regulations, they can be held liable if they neglect workplace safety in the long run. The only organizations that are not covered by those regulations are federal/state facilities and very few small businesses.