U.S. Department of Labor
Dear Houston Businesses:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for the development and enforcement of safety and health standards in the workplace. There are many safety and health standards that may, or may not, apply to a particular business.
Recently we’ve received two phone calls from local establishments related to the sales of various products. The phone calls went something like this:
1. Due to a new OSHA law 5(a)(1) and 5(a)(2) a business is required to purchase a safety kit with a particular first aid kit and other items and that this company was the exclusive distributor approved by OSHA.
2. An OSHA poster was required to be purchased from the company and that they would then be reimbursed by OSHA
An establishment may be required to have a first aid kit depending on whether first aid is provided or if a particular OSHA standard requires it. Also, employers are required to post the ‘OSHA Poster’ in the workplace, however, OSHA does not specify where a particular product must be purchased and OSHA posters can be downloaded free from the OSHA website, www.osha.gov or you can stop by the local OSHA office and pick one up for free.
There are several important facts to keep in mind:
- OSHA does not approve, certify, or recommend any particular product or service.
- OSHA does not enter into exclusive distribution agreements or promote one company or product versus another.
- OSHA inspectors carry credentials and follow established inspection procedures. Individual OSHA inspectors do not collect any penalties during an inspection. If an inspection results in proposed citations the company receives those citations by certified mail or Fed Ex directly from the OSHA office conducting the inspection.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact your local OSHA office.
Houston North Area Office
507 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, #400
Houston, TX 77060
281-591-2438
Houston South Area Office
17625 El Camino Real, #400
Houston, TX 77058
281-286-0583
