Virginia is one of the states with an OSHA-approved State Plan, recognized by Federal OSHA. The Virginia State Plan is administered under the authority of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) and is enforced through the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program.
VOSH has the authority to regulate and enforce occupational safety and health standards for most public and private sector employees across the Commonwealth of Virginia. While it adopts most Federal OSHA standards, the Virginia State Plan also includes state-specific regulations tailored to meet the needs of Virginia’s workforce.
The VOSH program ensures:
Enforcement of safety and health standards
Outreach and compliance assistance
Consultation services for employers
Worker training and education
Like other states with state plans, Virginia’s approach allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to local workplace safety challenges while maintaining alignment with federal health and safety expectations.
Let me know if you’d like a summary of Virginia-specific standards or training requirements under VOSH.
Virginia OSHA State Plan – VOSH Coverage and Industry-Specific Standards
Employers covered under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program must ensure their training programs comply with Virginia-specific safety standards and regulations. Although most Federal OSHA standards are incorporated, the Virginia State Plan includes additional state-specific regulations that apply to certain industries.
Medical Care and First Aid
Sanitation
Steel Erection
Reverse Signal Operation
Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act
General Industry Safety Requirements for Vehicles, Machinery, and Equipment
Reverse Signal Operation Safety
Telecommunications
Vehicles, Machinery, and Equipment
Minimum Approach Distances for Electrical Hazards
Confined Spaces in the Telecommunications Industry
Tree Trimming Operations
Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act
Field Hygiene
To meet compliance and promote a safe working environment, OSHA recommends:
OSHA 10-Hour Courses for entry-level workers in construction and general industry. These courses cover fundamental workplace safety principles.
OSHA 30-Hour Courses for supervisors and managers who are responsible for job site safety and regulatory compliance.
Most Virginia employers prefer or require OSHA-certified employees, as these certifications demonstrate a solid understanding of workplace safety practices.
Despite VOSH’s broad coverage, certain jobs and sectors remain under Federal OSHA authority, including:
Federal government employees
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and contractor-operated USPS facilities
Private sector maritime activities (shipyards, marine terminals, longshoring)
Workers at federal military bases and other areas of exclusive federal jurisdiction
Employees working at the Southeastern Power Administration Kerr-Philpott System (U.S. Department of Energy)
Working conditions for airline cabin crew on aircraft in operation
