OSHA 29 CFR 1910: General Industry Regulations Explained
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 outlines the federal safety and health regulations that apply to most general industry workplaces in the United States. This guide explains what OSHA 1910 is, who must comply, and how businesses use OSHA reference materials to stay compliant.
What Is OSHA 29 CFR 1910?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910 is the section of the Code of Federal Regulations that covers occupational safety and health standards for general industry. These regulations are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and are designed to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Unlike construction or agricultural standards, OSHA 1910 applies to a wide range of non-construction workplaces, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, healthcare environments, and service industries.
Who Is Required to Follow OSHA 1910?
Most private-sector employers and their employees are required to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910. This includes businesses involved in:
- Manufacturing and production
- Warehousing and distribution
- Healthcare and medical services
- Retail and wholesale operations
- Food processing and packaging
- Utilities and maintenance services
State and local government employers may also be covered if they operate under an OSHA-approved state plan.
What Topics Are Covered Under OSHA 1910?
OSHA 1910 is a comprehensive regulation that addresses many workplace safety topics, including:
- Hazard communication (HazCom)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Walking-working surfaces
- Electrical safety
- Machine guarding
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO)
- Respiratory protection
- Recordkeeping and reporting
How Businesses Use OSHA 1910 to Stay Compliant
Employers use OSHA 1910 regulations as a reference when developing safety programs, training employees, preparing for inspections, and conducting internal audits. Having an up-to-date and accessible OSHA 1910 reference helps ensure that safety requirements are followed consistently across the organization.
Many companies keep printed or digital copies of OSHA regulations on hand so managers, safety professionals, and compliance officers can quickly verify requirements.
OSHA 1910 General Industry Reference Materials
Mancomm publishes authoritative OSHA 29 CFR 1910 reference materials designed for real-world workplace use. These resources are commonly used for compliance audits, safety training, and regulatory reference.
OSHA 1910 vs. Other OSHA Standards
OSHA standards are divided by industry type. While OSHA 1910 applies to general industry, other standards may apply depending on the work being performed.
- OSHA 1910 – General Industry
- OSHA 1926 – Construction
- OSHA 1915 – Shipyards
- OSHA 1917 – Marine Terminals
Frequently Asked Questions About OSHA 1910
Is OSHA 1910 required by law?
Yes. OSHA 1910 regulations are federal law for covered employers and are enforceable through inspections, citations, and penalties.
How often is OSHA 1910 updated?
OSHA updates regulations periodically. Employers should ensure they are referencing the most current edition to maintain compliance.
Do small businesses need to follow OSHA 1910?
Yes. Business size does not exempt an employer from OSHA compliance, though certain reporting requirements may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions About OSHA 1910
Is OSHA 29 CFR 1910 required by law?
Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 regulations are federal law for covered employers and are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through inspections, citations, and penalties.
How often is OSHA 1910 updated?
OSHA updates regulations periodically as standards are revised or added. Employers should always reference the most current edition of OSHA 1910 to ensure ongoing compliance.
Do small businesses need to follow OSHA 1910?
Yes. Business size does not exempt an employer from OSHA compliance. However, some recordkeeping or reporting requirements may differ based on company size.