UPDATE: On March 3, 2026, OSHA released a simplified, reformatted version of its Job Safety and Health Workplace Poster. You're not required to swap out your current poster. Existing versions remain fully compliant.
As an employer, you're responsible for keeping your workplace safe, and federal law backs that up. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces workplace safety guidelines.
Here's how OSHA's requirements affect your business, including what you need to know about displaying the OSHA poster.
OSHA Defined
Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) to address rising workplace injuries and fatalities, establishing OSHA as the federal agency responsible for protecting workers across the country. Beyond enforcement, OSHA provides training, outreach, education and assistance to employers and workers.
One of its primary directives is that employers must give employees key safety information. The Job Safety and Health Workplace Poster fulfills that directive, informing workers of their rights under the OSH Act and outlining how to report workplace hazards.
Why an OSHA Poster Is Important
Most private sector employers are covered under OSHA, and all businesses with one or more employees must post an OSHA poster in the workplace.
States also can set their own health and safety standards, including state-specific posting requirements. Therefore, it’s important to monitor federal and state (or territory) guidelines for updates. States and territories with their own OSHA laws are:
