Oregon Safety and Health Program
Oregon requires employers to develop and administer a safety and health program. The requirements are defined in OAR 437-003-0001 for construction and OAR 437-001-0765 for general industry.
Required Elements
Safety and Health Program
A written program outlining employer commitment to safety, employee responsibilities, and procedures for hazard identification and correction.
Safety Committee or Meetings
Employers with 10+ employees in construction must have a safety committee meeting monthly. Smaller employers must hold regular safety meetings.
Hazard Assessment
Systematic identification and evaluation of workplace hazards through inspections, job analysis, and incident investigation.
Accident Investigation
Investigation of all workplace injuries, illnesses, and near-miss incidents to determine root causes and prevent recurrence.
Hazard Correction
Timely correction of identified hazards. Interim protective measures required if immediate correction is not feasible.
Training
Employees must be trained on recognized hazards, safe work practices, and the employer's safety program. Documented annually.
Enforcement and Penalties
$100-12,750
Serious Violation
Per violation based on severity, probability, employer size, and history
Up to $12,750
Other-than-Serious
Per violation for conditions not likely to cause death or serious harm
Up to $127,500
Willful
Intentional or knowing violation of a standard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a written safety program required in Oregon?
Yes. OAR 437-001-0765 requires every employer to develop and administer a safety and health program appropriate to the size and nature of their operations.
Do I need a safety committee?
Construction employers with 10+ employees must have a safety committee. General industry employers with 20+ employees need one. Smaller employers can use alternative safety meeting formats.
How is Oregon OSHA different from federal OSHA?
Oregon is a state-plan state with its own enforcement agency (OR-OSHA). Standards are at least as effective as federal standards and in some cases more stringent.
Are safety meetings required?
Yes. Even employers too small for a mandatory safety committee must hold regular safety meetings to discuss hazards, incidents, and safe work practices.
What documentation is required?
Safety committee or meeting minutes, training records, hazard inspection records, and accident investigation reports must all be maintained.