Introduction:  

For any industry in any state, worker protection must be mandatory, along with maintaining operational efficiency. In Texas, OSHA compliance is essential for maintaining a safe workplace. This state is known for its diverse economy, encompassing oil and gas, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction industries. Millions of workers work across these high-risk sectors. To protect these workers, OSHA regulations (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are strictly enforced, even though Texas does not operate a state-run OSHA plan.  

Instead, employers in Texas must comply with Federal OSHA standards, which apply to most private sector workers and some public sector employees through federal jurisdiction.  

This blog will delve into the discussion about Federal OSHA coverage in Texas, employer responsibilities, industry-specific standards, common violations, and compliance best practices.   

 

OSHA in Texas: Who’s Covered? 

There’s no separate Texas State plan; that’s why the Federal OSHA enforces all applicable workplace safety and health laws. Here’s how that breaks down: 

Federal OSHA Covered: 

Under Federal OSHA jurisdiction in Texas, the following entities and workplaces are covered: 

  • Private sector employers 

 It includes small businesses, corporations, and partnerships operating in various industries. 

  • Construction companies 

It covers all residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction projects, as well as contractors and subcontractors. 

  • Manufacturing and oil refineries  

The Federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) oversees employee safety in various industries, such as manufacturing and oil refining, because these industries often deal with potentially hazardous chemicals during production, assembly, and processing. These industries are considered high-risk, particularly in sectors such as petrochemicals (chemicals derived from oil and gas) and industrial manufacturing (factories that produce heavy machinery, chemicals, and metal goods). 

  • Warehouses and logistics companies 

 Federal OSHA plays a crucial role in establishing and enforcing safety regulations to ensure the well-being of workers in distribution centers, freight handling, and transportation-related operations. These workplaces are involved in material handling, which means moving, storing, and organizing goods. They also rely on the use of equipment, such as forklifts, conveyors, and pallet jacks, and involve labor-intensive tasks, including loading, unloading, packing, and sorting. Consequently, there are higher risks of injuries, including slips, falls, or equipment accidents. 

  • Most non-governmental workplaces

It means employees from workplaces that are not run by state, local, or federal government agencies (such as healthcare facilities, retail stores, hotels and restaurants (hospitality), and salons or repair services) must follow OSHA’s safety and health regulations. These regulations are: 

  • Employers must comply with all relevant OSHA standards (e.g., workplace cleanliness, protective equipment, fire safety, etc.).   
  • It is necessary to maintain documentation, such as injury and illness records (OSHA logs) 
  • They must provide safety training to employees 
  • Reporting about workplace injuries, illnesses, or fatalities within specific timeframes is also necessary. 

 

Key OSHA Regulations That Apply in Texas 

The Federal OSHA regulations are explained under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Below are the most commonly applicable standards in Texas: 

️ General Industry (29 CFR 1910) 

It applies to manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and logistics sectors. 

Key areas covered under this standard include: 

  • Hazard Communication (HazCom)

 This standard ensures that employees are informed about chemical hazards through Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and proper labeling. 

  • Machine Guarding 

 It requires protecting the barriers and safety devices on machinery to prevent injuries. 

  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) 

 The use of gear such as gloves, goggles, helmets, and protective clothing tailored to workplace hazards is necessary. 

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) 

This 29 CFR code is used for controlling hazardous energy during equipment maintenance or servicing to prevent accidental startup. 

  • Bloodborne Pathogens 

According to OSHA, protection is necessary for workers who are exposed to human blood or other potentially infectious materials, especially in healthcare settings. 

  • Walking/Working Surfaces

OSHA addresses slip, trip, and fall hazards by requiring safe design and maintenance of floors, stairways, and ladders. 

 

Construction (29 CFR 1926) 

 OSHA regulations apply to residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. These regulations are meant to cover: 

  • Fall Protection 

Fall protection is necessary for those employees who are working at heights; includes guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. 

  • Scaffolding Safety 

It ensures that scaffolds are properly constructed, stable, and capable of supporting intended loads to prevent falls and collapses. 

  • Trenching and Excavation 

This procedure is meant to protect the workers from cave-ins, falls, and hazardous atmospheres during ground digging or utility installation. 

  • Electrical Safety 

This safety equipment is designed to protect against electrical hazards, including shock, arc flash, and improper wiring, on job sites. 

  • Crane and Hoist Safety 

This safety is meant for covering protection against electrical hazards, such as shock, arc flash, and improper wiring on job sites. 

  • Ladder Use Standards 

These standards specify the safe selection, inspection, setup, and use of ladders to avoid falls and misuse. 

 

Oil & Gas 

Although there is no separate OSHA standard specifically for oil and gas, these industries in Texas follow General Industry + Construction standards, along with: 

  • Process Safety Management (PSM) 

It is required for handling highly hazardous chemicals; focuses on preventing fires, explosions, and accidental releases through risk analysis and safe operating procedures. 

  • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) training 

It is mandatory for workers who may be exposed to H₂S gas; covers hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, and emergency response. 

  • Confined Space Entry protocols 

These protocols ensure safe entry and work in tanks, pits, and other confined spaces by controlling atmospheric hazards, requiring permits, and providing proper rescue plans.

 

Agriculture (29 CFR 1928) 

 For Texas’ large agricultural sector, OSHA mandates: 

  • Tractor safety 

 It requires the use of rollover protective structures (ROPS), seat belts, and proper training to prevent accidents during equipment operation. 

  • Grain bin and silo standards 

It regulates safe entry, ventilation, and hazard controls to prevent entrapment, suffocation, and dust explosions. 

  • Chemical/pesticide handling 

It mandates proper labeling, storage, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and worker training under OSHA and EPA guidelines. 

  • Field sanitation 

It ensures access to clean drinking water, handwashing facilities, and toilet sanitation for workers in field operations. 

 

Texas OSHA Employer Responsibilities 

If you operate in Texas, you must comply with these core responsibilities under OSHA law: 

1. Provide a Safe Workplace 

 The employer must ensure the environment is free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm. 

2. Maintain Records 

It is necessary to keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses using OSHA Form 300, 300A, and 301. 

3. Post OSHA Posters 

 Employers must post the official OSHA Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law poster in a visible area. 

4. Provide Hazard Communication (SDS) 

They must ensure the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are accessible and up to date for all hazardous chemicals. 

5. Train Employees 

Employees must be trained in a language they understand, covering PPE, emergency response, and hazard recognition. 

6. Report Incidents 

  • Fatalities: reporting should be done within 8 hours. 
  • Hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss: it should be done within 24 hours. 

 

Common OSHA Violations in Texas Workplaces 

Each year, OSHA publishes a list of the most cited violations in inspections. Texas—given its heavy industry, often sees the following: 

  • Fall Protection (1926.501) 
  • Hazard Communication (1910.1200) 
  • Scaffolding Violations (1926.451) 
  • Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) 
  • Respiratory Protection (1910.134) 
  • Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) 
  • Ladder Safety (1926.1053) 
  • Machine Guarding (1910.212) 
  • Electrical Wiring (1910.305) 
  • Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) 

  In the event of non-compliance, penalties can exceed $16,000 per violation — and over $161,000 for willful or repeat offences in 2025. 

 

Industry-Specific Compliance Considerations 

  •  Construction and Infrastructure 

Texas ranks among the top states for construction-related fatalities. Fall protection and crane safety are top priorities. 

  •  Oil and Gas 

West Texas and the Gulf Coast regions are known as high-risk areas. Employers must ensure compliance with Hydrogen Sulfide training, fire prevention, and confined space standards. 

  • Healthcare and Laboratories 

Compliance with Bloodborne Pathogen, PPE, and HazCom standards is essential, particularly in the post-COVID era. 

  • Agriculture 

Farm labor contractors must be aware of field sanitation, pesticide handling, and heat-related illness protocols. 

 

How to Stay Compliant: Best Practices for Texas Employers 

Here’s a checklist to help maintain OSHA compliance in Texas: 

  • Safety managers must conduct regular hazard assessments. 
  • Employers must implement a written safety program. 
  • EHS managers or supervisors must keep SDSs updated and accessible. 
  • Employers should schedule annual safety training. 
  • Supervisors should hold toolbox talks weekly (especially in construction). 
  • Employees must use PPE appropriately for job hazards. 
  • The maintenance team must create and follow a lockout/tagout program. 
  • Employers must establish emergency procedures. 
  • The maintenance team must maintain and inspect machinery regularly. 
  • EHS teams must monitor noise and air quality (especially in oil, gas, and welding environments). 

 

Conclusion  

Texas is an industrial and fast-growing state. Where OSHA compliance isn’t optional, it’s essential for protecting your workforce, avoiding costly penalties, and maintaining your reputation. 

Whether you’re in oil fields, high-rise construction, or chemical laboratories, your best investment is in a culture of safety and awareness.