South Carolina (SC OSHA)
South Carolina OSHA, part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), runs South Carolina’s state plan for most private and public employers. South Carolina follows federal OSHA standards closely, so most of what you learn about federal rules applies here.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- South Carolina
At a glance
| Agency | SC OSHA, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and local government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers, private shipyards and maritime work, and military bases. |
| Rules | Federal construction and general industry standards adopted by South Carolina |
| Free employer help | SC OSHA Consultation and voluntary recognition programs |
Key South Carolina points
- Standards: South Carolina adopts the federal construction (1926) and general industry (1910) standards, with few state differences.
- Free help and recognition: SC OSHA’s consultation program offers free, confidential visits to employers, and its voluntary programs recognize worksites with excellent safety records.
- Heat and storms: long, humid summers and hurricane season make heat illness and storm cleanup major hazards. See Heat Illness and Storm Cleanup.
- Asbestos: the Department of Environmental Services licenses asbestos individuals and projects. Homes with four or fewer units may be exempt unless the work is done by a licensed abatement contractor or is part of a commercial project. See Asbestos Rules by 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 SC OSHA for current procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with SC OSHA online, by phone or by mail.
- South Carolina law protects workers who file safety complaints or take part in inspections. Deadlines are short (generally 30 days), so file a retaliation complaint right away.
Other South Carolina laws worth knowing
South Carolina has no state minimum wage law (the federal minimum applies) and is a right-to-work state. The South Carolina Payment of Wages Act governs paydays and final pay. See 50-State Quick Reference.
Note: This page is a summary. Check SC OSHA’s website for current rules.
Standards & references
- South Carolina OSHA
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: South Carolina Worker Rights
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