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[Alaska State Plan Website]
The state of Alaska, under an agreement with OSHA, operates an occupational safety and health program in accordance with Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Alaska state plan was initially approved August 10, 1973, and was granted final state plan approval on September 28, 1984. The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Program (AKOSH) is a part of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Labor Standards and Safety Division. The head of the Department is the Commissioner of Labor. There are two main offices located in Anchorage and Juneau, and smaller offices in Fairbanks and Ketchikan. Jurisdiction The state of Alaska exercises safety and health jurisdiction over most private sector employers in the state, and over public sector employers other than the federal government. Federal OSHA exercises jurisdiction over those employers not covered by the state of Alaska, to include: maritime employers such as shipyards, floating seafood processors, and longshoring; offshore oil platforms and production facilities; certain Indian Health Service hospitals and clinics; the United States Postal Service; civilian employees of the federal government; and all private and federal sector employment within the National Parks and a series of missile defense bases. See 29 CFR 1952.244. Regulations and Standards In 1995, Alaska (AKOSH) began adopting most federal OSHA standards by reference. A limited number of state-specific standards remain in effect at this time, including Petroleum Refining and Petroleum Drilling & Production. Alaska also has a logging code that is significantly different from federal OSHA's logging standard. Alaska has adopted the federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements, except that the state requires notification when one or more employees require hospitalization. The state's reporting requirements also provide for employers operating on a seasonal basis. Links to Alaska's Occupational Safety and Health Standards and recordkeeping requirements are available on the Division of Labor Standards and Safety home page. Since Alaska has opted to have no jurisdiction in maritime industries, it has not adopted 29 CFR 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918 or 1919, or a state equivalent. Enforcement Programs AKOSH has adopted the federal Field Inspection Reference Manual (FIRM) to provide policy guidance for its enforcement program. Information on unique enforcement initiatives or local emphasis programs can be obtained by calling 1-800-770-4949 or (907) 269-4955. Voluntary and Cooperative Programs AKOSH offers a number of voluntary and cooperative programs focused on reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Alaska employers are invited to take advantage of the on-site consultation program, SHARP, and VPP, Alliances, and partnerships. More information on these programs is available at these links:
An explanation of Alaska's Program Directives can be found on their website. Informal Conferences and Appeals The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Review Board hears and decides appeals of citations, including penalties and abatement dates, issued by the enforcement unit of AKOSH. To contact the Board: Commissioner’s Office Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development 1111 West 8th Street P.O. Box 111149 Juneau, AK 99811-1149 Phone (907) 465-2709 Fax (907) 465-2784 Other Resources Publications and Posters Disclaimer |