Utah (UOSH)
Utah Occupational Safety and Health (UOSH), a division of the Utah Labor Commission, runs Utah’s state plan for most private and public employers. Because the Labor Commission also handles wage claims, workers’ compensation and job discrimination, it’s a single place to start for many workplace problems.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- Utah
At a glance
| Agency | UOSH, Utah Labor Commission |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and local government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers and some tribal lands; mines fall under MSHA. |
| Rules | Federal standards adopted by Utah, plus Utah administrative rules |
| Free employer help | UOSH Consultation Services |
| Same agency also handles | Wage claims, workers’ compensation, anti-discrimination (Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division) |
Key Utah points
- Standards: Utah adopts the federal construction and general industry standards, with some state administrative rules.
- Free help: UOSH Consultation Services offers free, confidential visits, separate from enforcement.
- High altitude and weather: high elevation, strong sun, winter cold and summer heat all affect outdoor work. See Cold Stress and Heat Illness.
- Asbestos: the Department of Environmental Quality certifies asbestos professionals. Contractors hired to renovate or demolish homes must inspect for asbestos (with requirements based on when the home was built), while owners working on the home they live in are exempt. See Asbestos Rules by State.
Reporting injuries
Employers must report work-related deaths and serious injuries to UOSH within 8 hours. Check UOSH for current procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with UOSH online, by phone or in writing.
- Utah law protects workers who raise safety concerns. Deadlines are short (generally 30 days), so file a retaliation complaint right away.
Note: This page is a summary. Check UOSH’s website for current rules.
Standards & references
- Utah Occupational Safety and Health
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: Utah Worker Rights
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