​​​​​​Introduction

The Kentucky Safety and Health (OSH) Program, under the statutory authority of Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 338 and through a state plan approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), exercises jurisdiction for enforcement, on-site consultation, standards promulgation, and training services related to workplace safety and health.

Enforcement activities and voluntary compliance services are extended to both the public and private sectors in Kentucky with the exception of employees of the federal government and employers under the authority of federal agencies other than OSHA, such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration or the Federal Railroad Administration. OSHA retains jurisdiction in Kentucky for private sector maritime activities as well as for Tennessee Valley Authority employment, military bases, and other properties ceded to the U.S. government.

History

Since 1972, the mission of the Kentucky OSH Program has been to prevent any detriment to the safety and health of all public and private sector employees arising out of exposure to harmful conditions or practices at places of work.

This is accomplished by the dual approach of firm, fair enforcement that may bear citations with monetary penalties for violations of OSH standards or regulations, coupled with the offer of cost-free voluntary compliance assistance through on-site consultative surveys, training courses, and technical assistance. This balanced, common sense approach has improved Kentucky's work environment and prevented countless work-related injuries and illnesses since the inception of the Kentucky OSH Program.

The primary components of the Kentucky OSH Program include:

• The Division of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance;
• The Division of Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training; and
• Office of Federal-State Coordinator.

Additionally, the OSH Standards Board and the OSH Review Commission are associated with the program.

Division of Compliance

The Division of Compliance is responsible for the enforcement of Kentucky's Occupational Safety and Health Standards. Safety compliance officers and industrial hygienists inspect workplaces to assure there are no hazardous conditions that would threaten the health or safety of workers. Should such a condition be found, inspectors may issue citations for violations of Kentucky statutes or standards. Inspections may be the result of regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, accident or fatality reports, employee complaints, or referrals from other agencies.

Division of Education and Training

The Division of Education and Training assists employers and employees by promoting voluntary compliance with the OSH standards. This cost-free assistance consists of education, technical training, consultation, publications, and information on injury/illness recordkeeping requirements. The Division of Education and Training is also responsible for overseeing the Partnership Programs as well as conducting the Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, and the OSHA Data Collection.

Fatality Data

Reporting Requirements

Employers are required to report workplace fatalities, amputations, and hospitalizations to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance.

For all workplace fatality and injury data, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements