OSHA TRAINING IN VIRGINIA

Virginia OSHA State Plan (VOSH)

Virginia operates under an OSHA-approved State Plan, which means the state has its own workplace safety and health program that is recognized and monitored by federal OSHA. The plan is administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) through the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program.

Coverage

The VOSH program applies to:

• Private sector workers

• State and local government employees

Federal OSHA retains jurisdiction in certain areas not covered by the State Plan, such as:

• Federal employees

• Maritime operations

• Military bases

• Contractors on federal installations

Key Responsibilities of VOSH

• Enforcing safety and health standards

• Conducting inspections and investigations

• Issuing citations and penalties

• Handling complaints and whistleblower protection

• Providing outreach and education to employers and workers

Virginia-Specific Standards

In addition to enforcing federal standards, Virginia may adopt state-specific safety and health standards that address local needs and risks, as long as they are “at least as effective” as federal OSHA rules.