The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an updated Job Safety and Health Workplace Poster as part of its “OSHA Cares” initiative. The poster reminds workers of their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act and reinforces OSHA’s commitment to ensuring workers go home safely at the end of each day.
For employers, this release is a good time to review workplace posting requirements and confirm that required safety notices are properly displayed.
The OSHA Job Safety and Health Poster
OSHA’s workplace poster informs employees about their rights under the OSH Act and the protections available to them regarding workplace safety and health.
The poster outlines worker rights, including the right to:
• A safe workplace
• Speak up about safety and health concerns without retaliation
• Report a work-related injury or illness
• Receive training in a language they understand
• Be provided with required safety equipment
• Request an OSHA inspection and speak privately with the inspector
• File a complaint with OSHA about workplace hazards
OSHA Posting Requirements for Employers
Under OSHA regulations, covered employers must display the Job Safety and Health Workplace Poster in the workplace. Requirements include:
• The poster must be displayed where workers can easily see it.
• It must be displayed at each establishment where employees work.
• Employers may download and print the poster but it must be reproduced at least 8.5 x 14 inches with a minimum 10-point font size to ensure readability.
• Employers who fail to post the required notice may be subject to citation and penalties.
The requirement is established under 29 CFR 1903.2 which mandates that employers display the OSHA notice informing employees of their rights and responsibilities under the OSH Act.
Do Employers Need to Replace Existing Posters?
OSHA has stated that employers are not required to replace older versions of the poster to remain compliant. Existing posters remain acceptable. However, many organizations choose to update their postings to reflect the latest version to ensure employees are seeing the most current OSHA messaging.
State Plans May Haver Their Own Poster
Employers operating in OSHA-approved State Plan states should also verify whether the state program requires a state-specific workplace poster. State Plans operate their own occupational safety and health programs and must be at least as effective as federal OSHA, but they often have their own notices or additional posting requirements. Employers in those states should verify posting requirements with the state program to ensure full compliance.
How Employers Can Obtain the Poster
OSHA provides the poster free of charge!
Employers can obtain the poster by:
• Downloading it directly from OSHA’s website
• Ordering a printed copy from OSHA publications
The poster is available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Key Takeaways for Employers
The release of the updated OSHA poster is a good reminder for employers to review their workplace posting compliance. Employers should ensure:
• The OSHA poster is displayed where employees can easily see it
• Any printed copies meet OSHA size and readability requirements
• State Plan states are checked for additional posting requirements
• Posters can be obtained from official OSHA sources at no cost
Proper workplace postings are a simple but important part of maintaining OSHA compliance and ensuring employees understand their workplace safety rights.
Need Help with OSHA Compliance?
If you have questions about OSHA posting requirements or want to ensure your workplace is meeting safety and compliance expectations, SafeLink Consulting is here to help.
Our team provides:
• On-site safety assessments
• Safety program development and implementation
• Customized training videos
An on-site assessment can help identify potential compliance gaps, improve workplace safety programs, and ensure required postings and documentation are properly maintained.
If you would like assistance reviewing your safety program or scheduling an on-site safety assessment, contact us today. Our compliance advisors are available to help you navigate OSHA requirements and strengthen your workplace safety culture.
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