OSHA Training Requirements by State: Federal OSHA, State Plans and Online Courses

California runs Cal/OSHA. In all, 21 states, California among them, plus Puerto Rico run OSHA-approved state plans that cover private employers. Private employers in every other state and in the District of Columbia fall under federal OSHA. Six of those states have plans that cover only state and local government workers: Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. State plans must be at least as effective as federal OSHA in protecting workers, and the sections below list the state training rules we verified (osha.gov/stateplans). Find your state below for its jurisdiction, the training rules we verified, and the Training Academy course that fits. Each section opens with that jurisdiction type, so you can stop at the first sentence if that is all you need.

Jurisdiction type States
State plan covering private employers (21 states plus Puerto Rico) Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming
State plan for state and local government only; private employers under federal OSHA Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York
Federal OSHA for private employers Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin

Which course do I take

Take the Federal OSHA version if your workers are private employees in a state under federal OSHA. Take the Cal/OSHA version if your workers are in California. The Academy courses are self-paced, in English and Spanish, with a final exam and a certificate. A trainer is reachable by phone at 949-954-6581, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific.

Online courses do not replace anything your own state plan adds, so read your state's section below.

Jump to your state

State by state

Alabama

Private employers in Alabama fall under federal OSHA, because Alabama is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Alaska

Alaska runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Arizona

Arizona runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Arkansas

Private employers in Arkansas fall under federal OSHA, because Arkansas is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

California

California runs Cal/OSHA, an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Outdoor heat (8 CCR 3395) requires effective training for supervisors and employees before work with reasonably anticipated heat illness risk, and the written plan must be in English and the language of most employees. Indoor heat is a separate standard that applies to indoor work areas at 82°F or higher (8 CCR 3396). Wildfire smoke (8 CCR 5141.1) applies when the current AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, with training per Appendix B. The workplace violence law, Labor Code 6401.9, requires initial and annual training with interactive discussion with a knowledgeable person, per the DIR fact sheet. Courses: browse the Cal/OSHA online courses.

Colorado

Private employers in Colorado fall under federal OSHA, because Colorado is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Connecticut

The OSHA-approved state plan in Connecticut covers only state and local government workers, and private employers in Connecticut fall under federal OSHA. Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-53b requires employees and apprentices doing manual labor on public building contracts of at least $100,000 to hold a 10-hour OSHA Outreach course, and a card issued more than 5 years before the start does not count, per the Connecticut DOL bulletin. M Squared does not issue that card. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Delaware

Private employers in Delaware fall under federal OSHA, because Delaware is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

District of Columbia

Private employers in the District of Columbia fall under federal OSHA, because the District of Columbia is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Florida

Private employers in Florida fall under federal OSHA, because Florida is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Georgia

Private employers in Georgia fall under federal OSHA, because Georgia is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Hawaii

Hawaii runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Idaho

Private employers in Idaho fall under federal OSHA, because Idaho is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Illinois

The OSHA-approved state plan in Illinois covers only state and local government workers, and private employers in Illinois fall under federal OSHA. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Indiana

Indiana runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Iowa

Iowa runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Kansas

Private employers in Kansas fall under federal OSHA, because Kansas is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Kentucky

Kentucky runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Louisiana

Private employers in Louisiana fall under federal OSHA, because Louisiana is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Maine

The OSHA-approved state plan in Maine covers only state and local government workers, and private employers in Maine fall under federal OSHA. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Maryland

Maryland runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. The Maryland heat stress chapter applies indoors and outdoors when the heat index is 80°F or higher (COMAR 09.12.32.02). Training is required before first exposure, at least annually before exposure, and immediately after any suspected or confirmed heat illness incident, with records kept one year (COMAR 09.12.32.10). The rule requires training in a language and manner all employees can understand, and the training must cover the employer's own procedures. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Massachusetts

The OSHA-approved state plan in Massachusetts covers only state and local government workers, and private employers in Massachusetts fall under federal OSHA. Under M.G.L. c.30 s.39S, bidders on public construction over $10,000 certify that all worksite employees completed an OSHA-approved construction safety course of at least 10 hours. The course must be OSHA approved, and M Squared does not issue the card. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Michigan

Michigan runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. For forklift operators, MIOSHA Part 21 (R 408.12151 to R 408.12154) lets formal instruction include interactive computer learning, but a performance test and an employer permit valid up to 3 years are still required. For aerial work platforms, Part 32 (R 408.43207) requires instruction by a qualified person and an employer permit of up to 3 years. Part 21 lists interactive computer learning as one form of formal instruction. Check the current text of both Parts on michigan.gov/leo. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Minnesota

Minnesota runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. The Employee Right-to-Know rule requires a written program and training before initial assignment, with updates at intervals of not greater than one year, and the employer keeps records 3 years (Minn. R. 5206.0700). Heat is on the harmful physical agent list (Minn. R. 5206.0500). Employers must also keep a written accident and injury reduction program and document a review at least annually (Minn. Stat. 182.653, subd. 8). The rule requires training that employees can reasonably understand, and the employer must write and run the Employee Right-to-Know program. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Mississippi

Private employers in Mississippi fall under federal OSHA, because Mississippi is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Missouri

Private employers in Missouri fall under federal OSHA, because Missouri is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. RSMo 292.675 requires contractors and subcontractors on public works to provide a 10-hour OSHA construction safety program to on-site employees, who have 20 days to produce proof. M Squared does not issue the card. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Montana

Private employers in Montana fall under federal OSHA, because Montana is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Nebraska

Private employers in Nebraska fall under federal OSHA, because Nebraska is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Nevada

Nevada runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Under LCB File No. R131-24, employers with more than 10 employees must prepare a one-time written job hazard analysis and train employees in the job classes it identifies on recognizing and minimizing heat illness hazards; there is no temperature trigger, and annual retraining is not required (Nevada OSHA guidance). Full enforcement began April 29, 2025 (Nevada press release). Nevada OSHA's guidance does not specify a training delivery method; the training must address the hazards the job hazard analysis identified. Separately, NRS 618.950 to 618.990 requires construction workers to hold an OSHA 10 card within 15 days of hire and supervisors an OSHA 30 card, and only an OSHA-authorized trainer may provide those courses, so M Squared does not issue them. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

New Hampshire

Private employers in New Hampshire fall under federal OSHA, because New Hampshire is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. RSA 277:5-a requires an OSHA 10-hour construction safety program for on-site employees on public construction or repair contracts of $100,000 or more; confirm the threshold and wording on the statute page. M Squared does not issue the card. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

New Jersey

The OSHA-approved state plan in New Jersey covers only state and local government workers, and private employers in New Jersey fall under federal OSHA. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

New Mexico

New Mexico runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

New York

The OSHA-approved state plan in New York covers only state and local government workers, and private employers in New York fall under federal OSHA. Labor Law 220-h requires laborers, workers and mechanics on public work contracts of at least $250,000 to complete a 10-hour OSHA construction course before starting (NY Senate); confirm the threshold and wording in the statute. In New York City, Local Law 196 of 2017 requires workers at major building sites to receive orientation and training under Building Code 3310.10 and 3321, and the OSHA 10 or 30 classes must be in person or actively proctored online, given by OSHA-authorized trainers. M Squared does not issue those cards. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

North Carolina

North Carolina runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

North Dakota

Private employers in North Dakota fall under federal OSHA, because North Dakota is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Ohio

Private employers in Ohio fall under federal OSHA, because Ohio is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Oklahoma

Private employers in Oklahoma fall under federal OSHA, because Oklahoma is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Oregon

Oregon runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. The heat rule, OAR 437-002-0156, applies indoors and outdoors when the heat index is 80°F or higher and requires annual training before work that may expose employees to heat illness risk. The wildfire smoke rule, OAR 437-002-1081, applies at or above 35.5 µg/m3 (AQI 101 for PM2.5) and also requires annual training before exposure. Both rules require training that facilitates employee feedback, so an online course needs a question and answer channel, and the employer must cover its own procedures. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Pennsylvania

Private employers in Pennsylvania fall under federal OSHA, because Pennsylvania is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Rhode Island

Private employers in Rhode Island fall under federal OSHA, because Rhode Island is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. R.I. Gen. Laws 37-23-1 requires contractors on municipal and state construction projects of $100,000 or more to have an OSHA 10-hour construction safety program for on-site employees, using OSHA-trained instructors, and workers carry the DOL card. M Squared does not issue that card. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

South Carolina

South Carolina runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

South Dakota

Private employers in South Dakota fall under federal OSHA, because South Dakota is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Tennessee

Tennessee runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Tennessee rule 0800-01-09-.07 on hazardous chemical education and training requires training on chemicals in the work area at first assignment and when a new hazard is introduced, with refresher training at least annually and records kept. The employer's training must cover the chemicals in each employee's work area. Confirm the current rule text on the Tennessee Secretary of State site. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Texas

Private employers in Texas fall under federal OSHA, because Texas is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Utah

Utah runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Vermont

Vermont runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Virginia

Virginia runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. No Virginia heat illness standard is in force as of November 11, 2026. The 2026 General Assembly (Acts chapters 731 and 732) requires the Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt a Heat Illness Prevention Standard by May 1, 2028 (Virginia DOLI), and a notice of intended regulatory action for 16VAC25-210 was published August 24, 2026 (Virginia Register). May 1, 2028 is an adoption deadline, not an effective date. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Washington

Washington runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Outdoor heat training is required before outdoor work where heat exposure may occur and at least annually, in a language workers understand (WAC 296-62-09560); the heat program applies at 80°F for most clothing and 52°F for nonbreathable clothing or PPE, outdoor work only (WAC 296-62-09530). Wildfire smoke training is required before work that exposes the worker to PM2.5 of 20.5 µg/m3 (AQI 72) or more, and at least annually after that (WAC 296-820-825). Fall protection training under WAC 296-880-10015 requires each employee to demonstrate the ability to use fall protection properly, so online training alone is not enough there. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

West Virginia

Private employers in West Virginia fall under federal OSHA, because West Virginia is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Wisconsin

Private employers in Wisconsin fall under federal OSHA, because Wisconsin is not listed on the OSHA state plans page. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

Wyoming

Wyoming runs an OSHA-approved state plan covering private sector and state and local government workers. Courses: browse the federal OSHA online courses.

What online training does not replace

Online training does not replace the employer's site-specific training or hands-on training on the equipment a worker actually uses. Some state rules add a performance test, a permit or an interactive discussion on top of course content, and the sections above say where.

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 cards can only be issued by OSHA-authorized trainers. M Squared does not issue DOL cards, and a course completion certificate from the Academy is not a DOL card. For which one a California crew needs, read OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: which does your California crew need.

Check your state's own site

Rules change, and this page was checked against primary sources on November 11, 2026. Before you rely on a rule here, confirm it on your state agency's own website. The OSHA state plans page is the federal starting point.