Iowa OSHA (IOSHA) and the State Plan
OSHA allows individual states to operate their own occupational safety and health programs—State Plans—provided they are at least as effective as federal OSHA standards. Iowa has established its own official State Plan, which is administered by the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) under the Iowa Department of Workforce Development.
The Iowa State Plan covers:
All public sector employees and employers (including state and local government entities)
Most private sector businesses operating within the state
IOSHA is responsible for:
Conducting workplace safety inspections
Enforcing state occupational safety and health regulations
Investigating complaints and incidents
Implementing and updating applicable safety standards
While OSHA training is not mandatory under federal or state law, IOSHA and federal OSHA strongly recommend training to ensure workers understand safety protocols and reduce workplace hazards:
OSHA 10-Hour Training is recommended for entry-level workers
OSHA 30-Hour Training is recommended for supervisors and those in roles with safety oversight
Employers in Iowa are encouraged to stay current with IOSHA requirements and incorporate safety training into their workplace compliance programs.
