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OSHA compliance might not be top of mind for healthcare practice owners, but workplace safety regulations still apply—even in small practices. Understanding federal and state OSHA rules can help you avoid penalties and risks to employee safety.
For many workers, OSHA is just a sign on the wall—something they walk past every day without much thought. But for business owners, especially healthcare providers running their own practices, OSHA compliance is more than just a posted notice. It’s about ensuring a safe workplace for employees and avoiding potential inspections, fines, and liability.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the federal agency responsible for regulating workplace health and safety. OSHA’s focus is ensuring that physical office spaces are set up with employee health and safety in mind.
What OSHA Regulates in Healthcare
OSHA’s regulations cover a wide range of workplace safety concerns, including:
- Handling hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, bodily fluids)
- Using hazardous equipment (e.g., x-ray machines)
- Cleanliness and infection control
- Emergency action plans and first aid protocols
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
- Workplace injury prevention and violence mitigation
This list is not exhaustive. OSHA regulations can vary based on the size and type of practice, so it’s important to work with compliance professionals and legal counsel to determine which requirements apply to you.
Who Must Comply with OSHA Rules?
OSHA has broad authority to regulate workplace safety, but not all businesses are subject to the same requirements.
- All employers must comply with applicable OSHA standards. However, many businesses are not covered by any specific OSHA standards beyond the general duty to maintain a workplace free of “serious recognized hazards.”
- Solo practitioners with no employees are not subject to OSHA regulations.
- Small practices with 10 or fewer employees may be exempt from certain record-keeping and reporting requirements.
Even if a business is exempt from OSHA regulations, prioritizing worker health and safety remains critical—especially in healthcare. Additionally, state and local regulations may impose further safety requirements for healthcare employers.
State vs. Federal OSHA
About half of U.S. states have their own OSHA laws and agencies. Some, such as Illinois, apply state OSHA rules only to state and local government workplaces. Others, like California, operate OSHA-approved state plans that cover both public and private sector employees. Because state plans may have different policies and enforcement mechanisms than federal OSHA, compliance can vary based on location.
At the federal level, the Trump administration has signaled a shift in OSHA enforcement priorities. For example, the Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to eliminate a rule that allows third parties, including union representatives, to accompany OSHA officials on worksite inspections. This and other potential rollbacks suggest that OSHA might enforce standards differently moving forward. However, states with their own OSHA plans may continue to enforce stricter requirements.
What Happens If I Don’t Comply?
OSHA can conduct workplace inspections without prior notice. If an inspector identifies violations of OSHA standards or serious hazards, the agency can issue citations and fines. Additionally, OSHA violations are public records. Potential employees, patients, or competitors can access your compliance history.
Even if your practice is unlikely to be audited, OSHA’s requirements serve an essential purpose: keeping your employees safe. Prioritizing workplace safety benefits not only your staff but also your patients and your practice’s overall reputation.
How to Get Started with Compliance
While OSHA compliance may seem highly technical, it follows a structure similar to other healthcare compliance obligations, such as HIPAA or fraud, waste, and abuse prevention.
To achieve OSHA compliance, healthcare practices should:
- Develop written policies and procedures
- Train employees on safety standards
- Maintain documentation and records of compliance
- Post OSHA-mandated signage
If you’re unsure where to begin, a healthcare attorney can help provide clarity and guidance.
Get Legal Support
Navigating OSHA compliance can be complex, particularly as federal enforcement priorities shift. If you operate in one of the states where we have licensed attorneys, we can help you understand your responsibilities and develop compliance strategies tailored to your practice. Schedule a consultation to discuss your OSHA obligations and ensure your practice meets workplace safety standards.
This blog is made for educational purposes and is not intended to be specific legal advice to any particular person. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between our firm and the reader. It should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
