Individual states and territories have promulgated standards addressing specific hazards found in their local industry, often involving labor and management representatives in the process. The regulatory process can work more quickly at the state level when compared to the federal level.

The Annual Report of the Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association (OSHSPA), "Grassroots Worker Protection", provides many examples of how OSHSPA states and territories have enhanced the safety and health of America's workforce.