Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".
 

Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

• 1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
• 1910.305, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use [related topic page]
• 1910.132, Personal protective equipment, general requirements [related topic page]
• 1910.303, Electrical, general requirements [related topic page]
• 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers [related topic page]
• 1910.37, Electrical protective devices [related topic page]
• 1910.22, Walking-working surfaces, general requirements [related topic page]
• 1910.151, Medical services and first aid [related topic page]
• 1910.36, Design and construction requirements for exit routes
• 1910.133, Eye and face protection [related topic page]

• The HCS does not apply to food items in a retail establishment. (1998, April 7). Clarifies hazard communication for things like peanut butter and nutmeg in restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Addresses OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.1200 and 1926.59.
• OSHA doesn't regulate latex gloves for food preparation. (1998, April 7). Response to a letter regarding the use of latex gloves by food service workers. Applies to OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.138 and 1910.1030.
• PSM clarification on flammable lubrication in aerosol cans, to prevent food from sticking to heated cookware. (1994, October 4). Outlines OSHA jurisdiction where non-stick cooking sprays intended for consumer applications are used in commercial settings. Addresses OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.119.
• Enforcement of the hazard communication standard as it relates to "vegetable oil mist". (1991, March 19). Discusses enforcement of the Hazard Communication standard for vegetable oil mist. Applies to OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.1000 and 1910.1200.
• Search all available standard interpretations.

Note: These are NOT OSHA regulations. However, they do provide guidance from their originating organizations related to worker protection.

• Employers must comply with both federal and state laws. When federal and state standards are different, the rules that provide the most protection to youth workers will apply. For additional information, see child labor laws listed by state.

• Federal child labor rules are established by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA child labor provisions are designed to protect the educational opportunities of youth and prohibit their employment in jobs and under conditions detrimental to their health or safety. Once a teen reaches age 18, federal child labor rules no longer apply.
  • For information on non-agricultural youth workers see: hours permitted and jobs permitted, some exemptions exist. For example, if you are 14 to 15 years old, tasks you may not perform jobs in the food service industry such as:
    • Cooking, except at soda fountains, lunch counters, snack bars, and cafeteria serving counters;
    • Baking;
    • Operating, setting up, adjusting, cleaning, oiling, or repairing power-driven food slicers, grinders, choppers, cutters, and bakery mixers;
    • Operating Neico broilers, pressurized fryers, rotisseries, lawn mowers and "weed whackers".
    • Working in freezers or meat coolers.
    • Outside window washing, or work standing on a window sill, ladder, scaffold, or similar equipment.
    • Loading or unloading goods on or off trucks, railcars, or conveyors.

• 29 CFR 570.52, Occupations of motor-vehicle driver and outside helper (Order 2)
• 29 CFR 570.58, Occupations involved in the operation of power-driven hoisting apparatus (Order 7)
• 29 CFR 570.61, Occupations in the operation of power-driven meat-processing machines and occupations involving slaughtering, meat packing or processing, or rendering (Order 10)
• 29 CFR 570.62, Occupations involved in the operation of bakery machines (Order 11)

• Youth Employment Provisions for Nonagricultural Occupations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Child Labor Bulletin 101, (2005, February), 274 KB PDF, 27 pages.
• 29 CFR 570, Child Labor Regulations, Orders and Statements of Interpretation
• Important Change in the Child Labor Laws Affecting Hazardous Occupations Order No. 12
• Restaurants and Fast Food Establishments Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Fact Sheet #2, (2007, November), 38 KB PDF, 2 pages.
• Youth Minimum Wage - Fair Labor Standards Act. Fact Sheet #32, (2007, November), 37 KB PDF, 3 pages.
• Youth Employment Provision and Driving Automobiles and Trucks under the Fair Labor Standards (FLSA). Fact Sheet #34: Hazardous Occupations Order No. 2, (2007, November), 44 KB PDF, 2 pages.
• Fast Food, Full Service Restaurant, and Supermarket Industries Child Labor Compliance Survey. Fact Sheet #41, (2007, November), 37 KB PDF, 3 pages.
• Youth Employment Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) For Nonagricultural Occupations. Fact Sheet #43, (2007, November), 63 KB PDF, 5 pages.
• YouthRules! Employer Pocket Guides