Maryland OSHA Requirements Guide

Maryland operates its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health program known as Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). MOSH is administered by the Maryland Department of Labor and enforces workplace safety standards for most private-sector employers as well as state and local government employers throughout Maryland. MOSH adopts most federal OSHA standards while also enforcing several Maryland-specific safety regulations.

Employers are responsible for providing employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards while complying with all applicable MOSH safety standards.

Employer Responsibilities

Maryland employers should:

  • Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
  • Comply with applicable MOSH safety standards.
  • Develop and maintain workplace safety programs.
  • Train employees on workplace hazards.
  • Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Correct unsafe conditions promptly.
  • Maintain required injury and illness records.
  • Post the official MOSH workplace poster.
  • Cooperate during MOSH inspections.

Employee Safety Training

Employers should provide safety training appropriate for workplace hazards.

Training topics may include:

  • Hazard Communication
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Fall Protection
  • Forklift Safety
  • Machine Guarding
  • Electrical Safety
  • Fire Prevention
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Bloodborne Pathogens (where applicable)

MOSH offers free seminars, publications, and outreach resources, but employers remain responsible for providing any training required by applicable safety standards.

Hazard Assessments

Maryland employers should routinely inspect the workplace for hazards involving:

  • Machinery
  • Walking-working surfaces
  • Electrical systems
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Fire hazards
  • Material handling
  • Ergonomics
  • Emergency exits

Routine inspections help identify hazards before injuries occur while supporting compliance with MOSH regulations.

MOSH Recordkeeping

Many Maryland employers must maintain workplace injury and illness records.

Required records may include:

  • OSHA Form 300
  • OSHA Form 300A
  • OSHA Form 301

Generally, employers with 10 or fewer employees and certain low-hazard industries may qualify for partial exemptions, although serious incidents may still require reporting. Covered employers must post OSHA Form 300A annually from February 1 through April 30.

Reporting Serious Incidents

Maryland employers generally must report:

  • Work-related fatalities within 8 hours.
  • Work-related inpatient hospitalizations within 24 hours.
  • Work-related amputations within 24 hours.
  • Work-related loss of an eye within 24 hours.

Employers should establish internal reporting procedures so required notifications are made promptly.

Required MOSH Poster

Covered employers should display the official Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Poster where employees can easily see it.

Additional workplace notices may include:

  • Maryland Minimum Wage and Overtime Poster.
  • Maryland Earned Sick and Safe Leave Notice.
  • Workers' Compensation Notice.
  • Employment Discrimination Notice.
  • Applicable federal labor law posters.

The official MOSH poster is available free of charge from the Maryland Department of Labor.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Where hazards cannot be eliminated, employers should provide appropriate PPE such as:

  • Safety glasses.
  • Hard hats.
  • Hearing protection.
  • Gloves.
  • Respirators.
  • High-visibility apparel.
  • Protective footwear.

Employees should receive training regarding proper PPE use, care, and limitations.

MOSH Inspections

MOSH inspections may occur because of:

  • Employee complaints.
  • Serious accidents.
  • Fatalities.
  • High-hazard industries.
  • Follow-up inspections.
  • Targeted enforcement initiatives.

Inspectors may review workplace conditions, interview employees, examine records, and issue citations when violations are identified.

Free Consultation and Training

MOSH offers numerous free employer resources, including:

  • Confidential consultation services.
  • Safety seminars.
  • Publications and fact sheets.
  • Speaker programs.
  • Maryland-specific safety guidance.
  • Workplace safety training resources.

These programs help employers improve workplace safety while reducing injuries and compliance risks.

Employer Best Practices

Maryland employers should:

  • Maintain written safety programs.
  • Conduct regular workplace inspections.
  • Train employees routinely.
  • Correct hazards immediately.
  • Maintain OSHA injury records.
  • Display required workplace posters.
  • Encourage employees to report hazards.
  • Use free MOSH consultation and training resources.
  • Review Maryland-specific safety regulations annually.

Labor Law Poster Compliance

Most Maryland employers are required to display current Maryland and federal labor law posters where employees can easily read them.

View our professionally updated Maryland State & Federal Labor Law Poster here:

https://www.laborlawhrsigns.com/maryland-state-and-federal-labor-law-poster-md

Official Government Resources

Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH)

https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/mosh/

MOSH Employer Responsibilities

https://labor.md.gov/labor/mosh/moshempresponsibilities.shtml

MOSH Training & Education

https://labor.md.gov/labor/mosh/train.shtml

OSHA State Plan – Maryland

https://www.osha.gov/stateplans

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maryland have its own OSHA program?

Yes. Maryland operates its own OSHA-approved State Plan called Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), which enforces workplace safety laws throughout the state.

What are an employer's primary MOSH responsibilities?

Employers must provide a safe workplace, comply with MOSH standards, train employees, maintain required injury records, report serious incidents, and display the official MOSH workplace poster.

Can MOSH inspect my business?

Yes. MOSH may inspect workplaces because of employee complaints, accidents, fatalities, follow-up inspections, or targeted enforcement programs.

Does Maryland offer free workplace safety training?

Yes. MOSH provides free seminars, publications, outreach materials, and consultation services to help employers improve workplace safety.

Are employers required to maintain OSHA injury records?

Many employers must maintain OSHA Forms 300, 300A, and 301, although some smaller employers and certain low-hazard industries may qualify for exemptions.

Where can I obtain an updated Maryland Labor Law Poster?

You can purchase a professionally updated Maryland State & Federal Labor Law Poster here:

https://www.laborlawhrsigns.com/maryland-state-and-federal-labor-law-poster-md