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Is Your Safety Manual OSHA Compliant? Exploring the Topics Required

by Julia Kunlo, CSP, Evolution Safety Resources on

A written safety manual is often seen as the backbone of a workplace safety program. These documented processes are powerful tools, helping to outline expectations, train employees, bid work, and even avoid legal trouble. What many people don’t know, however, is that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict guidelines pertaining to what topics must be included in a written safety program. Are you sure that your company’s safety manual is OSHA compliant?

Authoring a safety manual that meets OSHA standards requires knowledge and research. Lucky for you, we’ve done the digging through multiple references so you can quickly understand what your business needs. Based upon your business category (construction, general industry, or both), read below to learn what topics are required and their corresponding OSHA standard – with clickable links.

1. Global Requirements (Regardless of Industry)

Regardless of if your business is categorized as “construction” or “general industry”, the following topics must be addressed in your manual:

  • OSHA recordkeeping (OSHA 29 CFR 1904)
  • Hazard communication (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.59 & 1200)
  • Emergency action planning (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.35 & 38)
  • Fire prevention plan (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.150 & 39)
  • First aid (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 & 50)
  • Lockout/tagout (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, 333 & 417)
  • Personal protective equipment (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 & 1926 Subpart E)
  • Hearing conservation (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 & 101)
  • Crane/hoisting inspection program (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179, 184 & 251, 552)
  • Respiratory protection program (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 & 103)
  • Powered industrial truck operator training (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 & 602(d))

2. Construction Industry Requirements

If your business is categorized as construction, then OSHA 29 CFR 1926 applies. The following topics must be address in your manual:

  • General safety and health provisions (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20)
  • Trenching and excavations (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651 & 652)
  • Fall protection (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M)
  • Safety training and education (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.21)

3. General Industry Requirements

If your business is categorized as general industry, then OSHA 29 CFR 1910 applies. The following topics must be address in your manual:

  • Electrical safety-related work practices (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.331, 332, 333, 334, 335, & 399)
  • Bloodborne pathogen exposure (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030)
  • Confined space entry (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146):
  • Machine guarding (OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart O)
  • Hot work program (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106, 119, & 252)
  • Laboratory chemical safety (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1450)
  • Spill response plans (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120)

When building a written safety manual, it is important that companies understand the minimum requirements as outlined by OSHA. This understanding will help to create a program that is well-equipped to protect businesses from legal or regulatory trouble. In addition, it is equally as important to build a manual that can be used as a practical and helpful tool for your business, training your team on how you expect them to perform safely in the field. Consider adding additional “best in class” procedures to your manual (such as defensive driving, heat/cold stress, job hazard analysis, etc.) to build a written program that is truly top-level. If you need assistance with auditing your current manual or making improvements, the experts at ESR are ready and available to help. We offer free consultations and will develop complimentary improvement plans.

About the Author

Julia Kunlo, ESR Vice President, is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), has her Master’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health, and is an OSHA OTI Level 500 instructor as well as a certified National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Instructor. With experience in production and quality as well as safety, Julia knows how to build programs which are well rounded and encompassing of a business’ many needs. Julia has a history of working with the National Safety Council (NSC) and is an NSC Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC) Instructor. Julia specializes in written safety program development and safety management system auditing.