Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I file a complaint? How do I file a complaint?
  You can find information about filing a work-related complaint here. That page details the process OR-OSHA follows after receiving a complaint.
• What is the process for appealing a citation? What is the process for appealing a citation?
  The appeals process is detailed on the Appeal Rights page.
• How and when do I report an accident? How and when do I report an accident?
  The Accident Reporting page covers the situations in which you need to report an accident.
• How do I find a rule? How do I find a rule?
  OR-OSHA maintains a Rules and Compliance page that allows you to find rules by division. Each division has a search box to help you find specific rules for that division. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.
• Which rules apply to my business? Which rules apply to my business?
  Rules are divided into divisions based upon the industry. Division definitions are listed on the Rules & Compliance page.
• What do the divisions mean? What do the divisions mean?
  Division definitions are listed on the Rules and Compliance page.
• Which divisions apply to me? Which divisions apply to me?
  Division definitions are listed on the Rules and Compliance page. Division 1 applies to all employers in addition to the rules specified by its relevant division. Division 2 applies to employers not covered by Divisions 3-7.
• Whom can I ask for clarification? Whom can I ask for clarification?
  You can ask OR-OSHA technical specialists via phone or e-mail from our contact us page.
• What is compliance assistance? What is compliance assistance?
  After an employer has received a citation, a compliance officer may assist in correcting the hazard at the request of the employer.
• Where are the rules for young workers? Where are the rules for young workers?
  OR-OSHA has a Young Workers page to increase young workers' awareness of the importance of occupational safety and health.
• Where can I find statistics about accidents? Where can I find statistics about accidents?
  OR-OSHA maintains a page that tracks statistics and reports.
• Is there a way to be notified when new publications are released? Is there a way to be notified when new publications are released?
  OR-OSHA has several ways to stay informed about new publications and changes to rules.
• What posters are required? What posters are required?
  OR-OSHA requires all workplaces to display the Safety & Health poster (#1507) (pdf). Some workplaces also are required to display the field sanitation notice (#1890) (pdf), which is also available in Spanish (pdf). Other agencies require different posters. The Bureau of Labor and Industries offers posters from different agencies for free download. BOLI also sells one convenient poster that includes all necessary posters. Rule #437-001-0275 covers posting requirements (pdf).
• Do I have to purchase these posters? Do I have to purchase these posters?
  These posters are available for free download individually or you can purchase one larger poster that includes all the other posters from the Bureau of Labor and Industries.
• Where can I find upcoming information about upcoming OR-OSHA trainings and events? Where can I find upcoming information about upcoming OR-OSHA trainings and events?
  Trainings and workshops are listed in the education section. You can find information about upcoming conferences here.
• What is a program directive? What is a program directive?
  A program directive clarifies a rule, implements a policy or procedure, or conveys urgent information. Program Directive A-0 explains how program directives are written and revised. Program directives are listed by number and by subject.
• What is a letter of interpretation? What is a letter of interpretation?
  Interpretations are both defined and listed on the Interpretations page.
• What is OR-OSHA's jurisdiction? What is OR-OSHA's jurisdiction?
  OR-OSHA's mission is to advance and improve workplace safety and health for all workers in Oregon. View a map of Federal OSHA and OR-OSHA jurisdictions.
• Do I need a forklift operator's license? Do I need a forklift operator's license?
  There is no forklift operator license. Forklift operators must be certified.
• How do I get my forklift certification? How do I get my forklift certification?
  Rule 1910.178(l)(6) states: "The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation." If you have any question about certification, please contact us.
• Do I need a safety committee? Do I need a safety committee?
  See the Safety Committee page and the Safety Committee Advisor, which will tell you if you need a safety committee.
• What records do I have to keep? What records do I have to keep?
  OR-OSHA has a recordkeeping FAQ that answers questions about recordkeeping.
• What do I have to know about fall protection? What do I have to know about fall protection?
  This is a complicated answer - and one best answered by a technical specialist. We do maintain an extensive page covering fall protection. You can contact a technical specialist via the Contact Information page.
• What do I have to know about lockout/tagout? What do I have to know about lockout/tagout?
  This is a complicated answer - and one best answered by a technical specialist. While we do maintain an extensive page covering control of hazardous energy, you can always contact a technical specialist via the Contact Information page.