Before the establishment of Federal OSHA, there were few laws regulating workplace health and safety. Fortunately, the rigorous enforcement of OSHA’s regulations has significantly improved working conditions in industrial facilities nationwide.
Since Rhode Island does not have a formal state plan, federal OSHA has jurisdiction over workplace safety and health in the state. OSHA recommends that entry-level employees complete OSHA 10 Hour courses and that those in supervisory roles complete OSHA 30 Hour courses, as these trainings cover the job-specific regulations required by most employers in Rhode Island.
Additionally, all construction workers employed on state or municipal contracts must complete OSHA 10 Hour Construction Training for projects with a budget of $100,000 or more.
Beyond OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standards, employers in both the public and private sectors must comply with the Rhode Island Hazardous Substance Right to Know General Law (R.I. G.L. 28-21), which mandates informing employees about potential hazards associated with substances used in their workplaces.
