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The workplace safety (OSHA) rules in force in Virginia now.

Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program, OSHA-approved State Plan administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Enforced by Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VOSH); federal OSHA for excluded sectors. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Workplace safety in Virginia

Checked on the source
In force

Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program, OSHA-approved State Plan administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

Covers private-sector employers and state and local government workers; initial approval Sep 28, 1976, final 18(e) approval Nov 30, 1988. Federal OSHA keeps maritime/shipyards, federal enclaves and military facilities, and federal employees.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VOSH); federal OSHA for excluded sectors

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

In force

In force, nothing scheduled

The federal layer

The federal layer applies in every state: OSHA's Hazard Communication update (91 FR 1695) sets November 20, 2026 for substances and May 19, 2028 for mixtures. State-plan states enforce it through their own agency.

What a building has to do

6 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

One-time deadline
Hazard Communication: written program, labels and retraining for substances29 CFR 1910.1200; 91 FR 1695 · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-26. Source
Annual
Lockout/tagout: written energy-control procedures; at least once a year an authorized employee who does not use a procedure inspects it, and the employer certifies the inspection (equipment, date, employees involved, inspector)29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4) and (c)(6) · Federal OSHA or state plan; owner documents · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Every 5 years
Electrical safety: qualified-person training for anyone who works on or near energized equipment, and the arc-flash incident energy analysis reviewed for accuracy at least every 5 years, with equipment labels kept current29 CFR 1910.332; NFPA 70E-2024, 130.5(G) · Federal OSHA or state plan; qualified engineer or trainer · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Annual
Confined spaces: identify permit-required spaces (vaults, tanks, pits, sewage wells) and post danger signs; if staff enter, keep a written permit program, keep cancelled permits at least a year, and review the program within a year after each entry (one annual review can cover them all)29 CFR 1910.146(c), (d)(14) and (e)(6) · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Annual
Injury records: post the OSHA 300A annual summary from February 1 through April 30; hotels and motels (NAICS 7211) with 20 or more employees at the establishment also submit it electronically by March 2 (100 or more: the 300 and 301 too)29 CFR 1904.32 and 1904.41, Appendices A and B to Subpart E · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source
Annual
Emergency action and fire prevention plans, where another OSHA standard requires them: in writing (employers with 10 or fewer employees may give them orally); the emergency plan reviewed with each employee at initial assignment, when duties change and when the plan changes29 CFR 1910.38 and 1910.39 · Federal OSHA or state plan · Checked against the source 2026-09-28. Source

Questions about the workplace safety (OSHA) rules in Virginia

Which OSHA rules apply in Virginia today?

Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program, OSHA-approved State Plan administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Covers private-sector employers and state and local government workers; initial approval Sep 28, 1976, final 18(e) approval Nov 30, 1988. Federal OSHA keeps maritime/shipyards, federal enclaves and military facilities, and federal employees.

Who enforces the workplace safety (OSHA) rules in Virginia?

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VOSH); federal OSHA for excluded sectors.

What changes next for the workplace safety (OSHA) rules in Virginia?

Nothing is scheduled. The rule above stays in force until the state adopts a newer edition or amends the program; AHJ Radar re-checks the source weekly.

Other areas in Virginia

Everything in force in Virginia
Fire code2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC, 13VAC5-52), incorporating the 2021 IFC…Building code2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63): Part I VCC (2021 IBC), Pa…ElevatorsUSBC: VCC (IBC Ch. 30) for new installations; VMC Sec. 606.1 (13VAC5-63-540) requires main…BoilersBoiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act (Code of Va. Title 40.1, Ch. 3.1) + Regulations 16VA…Pools and spas12VAC5-460 Regulations Governing Tourist Establishment Swimming Pools and Other Public Poo…Hotels and lodging12VAC5-431 Sanitary Regulations for Hotels (VDH lodging permit for facilities renting more…Retrofit and recertificationVEBC Chapter 11 Retrofit requirements (13VAC5-63-435.5), statewide: hotels and motels had …

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