Kentucky OSHA : What you need to know

Kentucky is a “state plan” state; that is, it has its own federally approved occupational safety and health regulatory program. The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Program (KY OSH) governs both public (state, county, and local governments) and private (private businesses and nonprofit organizations) sector workplaces, except for the Tennessee Valley Authority and federal facilities. State requirements for general industry workplaces mirror federal requirements, with additional state requirements for reporting occupational accidents, employee access to regulations, and receiving and unloading bulk hazardous liquids from tank trucks or trailers.

See the state section HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD for more information about state toxic substance exposure rules. For additional information on occupational safety and health requirements, see the national section OSHA.

State-insured employers under workers’ compensation insurance policies must follow the provisions of a written workplace accident and injury reduction plan supplied by the Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance (KEMI).

The Kentucky Labor Cabinet Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Compliance administers and enforces KY OSH for private and public sector workplaces. OSHA retains jurisdiction over employees of federal agencies, military bases, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and private sector maritime facilities. The KEMI administers the workplace safety and loss prevention insurance programs.

The KY OSH Program, within the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, protects workers from occupational hazards through its occupational safety and health standards.

Components of the OSH Program include:

• The Division of OSH Compliance;