Georgia (Federal OSHA)
Georgia has no state OSHA plan, so federal OSHA covers private employers. Fast growth around Atlanta and Savannah means lots of construction, warehouse and port work, and Georgia’s long, humid summers make heat a serious hazard.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Georgia
Photo: workers at a large distribution warehouse under construction near Atlanta
At a glance
| Safety agency | Federal OSHA, Region 4 (Atlanta), with area offices in Georgia |
|---|---|
| Covers | Private employers. State and local government workers aren’t covered by OSHA in Georgia. |
| Rules | Federal standards: 29 CFR 1926 (construction) and 1910 (general industry) |
| Free employer help | Georgia Tech’s OSHA Consultation Program (Georgia Tech Research Institute) |
| Workers’ comp | State Board of Workers’ Compensation; required for employers with 3 or more employees |
Workers’ comp in Georgia
- Employers with 3 or more employees, including part-time workers, must carry workers’ comp.
- Report your injury to your employer within 30 days.
- Your employer must post a panel of physicians (or use a certified managed care organization). You generally choose your doctor from that list. Look for the poster at work, and ask for it if you can’t find it.
- A claim (Form WC-14) generally must be filed with the State Board within 1 year of the injury, or within certain times after your last authorized treatment or benefit payment.
See Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim.
Georgia hazards to watch
- Heat and humidity: Georgia has no state heat rule, but federal OSHA expects water, rest, shade and acclimatization. See Heat Illness Rules by State.
- Warehouses and logistics: forklifts, conveyors and docks around Atlanta and the Port of Savannah. See Warehouse Safety.
- Severe storms and tornadoes: know your shelter plan. See Severe Weather.
- Pay: Georgia’s own minimum wage is below the federal $7.25, but the federal rate applies to most jobs. See Minimum Wage.
Report, complain and get help
- Severe injuries: report a death within 8 hours and an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours to federal OSHA.
- Safety complaints: federal OSHA online or at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
- Retaliation: file with OSHA within 30 days. See Whistleblower Protection.
- Unpaid wages: Georgia has no general state wage claim process for most workers; use the U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division.
- Free consultation: Georgia Tech offers confidential visits for small and medium businesses that don’t lead to citations.
Your first-week checklist in Georgia
- Find the posted panel of physicians before you ever need it
- Report any injury to your employer in writing, within 30 days
- Check the heat plan: water, shade, rest breaks and easing in new workers
- Know where to shelter during tornado and severe storm warnings
- Save federal OSHA’s number: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
Note: This page is a summary. Check federal OSHA and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation for current rules.
Standards & references
- OSHA: Georgia offices
- Georgia Tech OSHA Consultation Program
- Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
- See also: States Covered by Federal OSHA
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: Georgia Worker Rights
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