This table outlines OSHA safety committee requirements by state, providing a comprehensive overview of safety committee requirements for each state in the U.S. It outlines whether a safety committee is mandated, the relevant regulatory citations, and other key details, including state requirements, meeting frequency, and important information.
By establishing a safety committee, you can create a culture of safety and prevent workplace accidents and injuries. It is also important to note that while some states may not mandate safety committees, it is still highly encouraged for employers to establish one to maintain compliance with federal OSHA regulations. The well-being of your employees should always be a top priority.
To find the specific requirements for your state, simply locate your state in the table. Each entry will indicate if a safety committee is required, the employee threshold for that requirement, state regulatory citations, size requirements, meeting frequency, and any additional important details. This resource of the OSHA safety committee requirements by state is designed to help employers understand their obligations and ensure a safe working environment for all employees. If you have further questions, please contact us.
| State | Safety Committee Required? | State Regulatory Citation | Size Requirement | Meeting Frequency | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes* | N/A | - | - | Must form committee if requested by employee(s). Committee must be at least three members including one nonsupervisory employee. |
| Alaska | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Arizona | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Arkansas | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| California | No* | Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 3203 | - | No less than quarterly | A safety committee is not specially required. However, employers can elect to use a labor/management safety and health committee to comply with the communication requirements of an IIPP. |
| Colorado | No* | N/A | - | - | Not required but may reduce workers' compensation premiums. Reference Colo. Code Regs. 7 §1101-6. |
| Connecticut | Yes | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-40v | Required for employers with 25+ employees. | - | - |
| Delaware | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| District of Columbia | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Florida | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Georgia | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Hawaii | No* | HRS §12-60-2(b)(3) | - | - | Not required. Under §12-60-2(b)(3), employers apparently must have either a safety committee or “a person designated and trained by the employer for the facility’s safety and health program.” |
| Idaho | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Illinois | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Indiana | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Iowa | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Kansas | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Kentucky | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Louisiana | No* | N/A | - | - | Not required. Safety plan includes requirements for “designation of employees responsible for safety” and for regular safety meetings. |
| Maine | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Maryland | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Massachusetts | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Michigan | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Minnesota | Yes | Minn. Stat. § 182.676 and 182.653 | Required for employers with 25+ employees and if subject to AWAIR requirements (does not include medical, dental, or veterinary practices). (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/5208.1500/) | - | - |
| Mississippi | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Missouri | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Montana | Yes | Montana Safety Culture Act of 1993 (MSCA) | Required for companies with 5+ employees. | At least once every four months | - |
| Nebraska | Yes | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-4502 | - | - | Required for all companies subject to the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Act |
| Nevada | Yes | Nev. Admin. Code §618-538—§618-544 | Required for employers with 25+ employees. | - | - |
| New Hampshire | Yes | N.H. Rev. Stat. §281-A.64, 2013 | Required for employers with 15+ employees. | - | - |
| New Jersey | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| New Mexico | No* | N/A | - | - | Not required for private sector employers. |
| New York | Yes* | N/A | - | - | Not required for private sector employers. However, N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 11, § 153.7 provides that employers participating in group dividend insurance plans (or quasigroup plans) must establish a safety committee to monitor progress and problems in implementing their accident prevention and loss reduction plan. |
| North Carolina | Yes* | N.C.G.S. § 95-126 | Required for employers with 11+ employees and an experience modification rate (EMR) of 1.5+. | At least once every three months | - |
| North Dakota | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Ohio | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Oklahoma | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Oregon | Yes | Or. Rev. Stat. §654.182, Or. Admin. R. 437-001-0765 (2009), | Required for companies with 10+ employees. | - | - |
| Pennsylvania | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Puerto Rico | No | 7(a)(8) | - | - | Safety committees are not required, but § 7(a)(8) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of Puerto Rico of 1975 encourages employers to establish safety and health committees at their job sites. |
| Rhode Island | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| South Carolina | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| South Dakota | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Tennessee | Yes* | 2010 Tennessee Code 50-6-501 | Required for employers with an EMR of 1.2+ | - | - |
| Texas | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Utah | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Vermont | Yes* | 21 V.S.A. § 665 | - | - | Required for employers with poor safety records. |
| Virginia | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Washington | Yes | Wash. Admin. Code 296-800-130 | Required for companies with 11+ employees. | - | - |
| West Virginia | Yes* | West Virginia Code 23-2B-2 (2015) | - | - | Required for employers with high EMR. |
| Wisconsin | No | N/A | - | - | - |
| Wyoming | No | N/A | - | - | - |
