New Mexico (NM OHSB)
New Mexico’s state plan is run by the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB), part of the New Mexico Environment Department. It covers most private and public employers and adopts federal standards with some state additions.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- New Mexico
At a glance
| Agency | Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, New Mexico Environment Department |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and local government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers, tribal lands and some other workplaces (including the Los Alamos and Sandia national labs in many cases). Mines fall under MSHA. |
| Rules | New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 11, Chapter 5 (federal standards adopted with state additions) |
| Free employer help | OHSB Consultation program |
Key New Mexico points
- Heat: hot, dry summers and high sun. Hydration and acclimatization are critical. See Heat Illness and Heat Acclimatization.
- Oil and gas: the Permian Basin in the southeast brings well site, hydrogen sulfide, truck and fire hazards. See Hydrogen Sulfide.
- Altitude: much of the state is above 5,000 feet; strong sun and fast weather changes affect outdoor work.
- Tribal lands: work on tribal lands is generally under federal OSHA, not the state.
Reporting injuries
Employers must report work-related deaths within 8 hours, and in-patient hospitalizations, amputations and loss of an eye within 24 hours. Check OHSB for current procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with OHSB online, by phone or in writing.
- New Mexico law protects workers from retaliation for safety complaints. Deadlines are short, so file right away.
Note: This page is a summary. Check OHSB’s website for current rules.
Standards & references
Last updated: