Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act".

Note: Twenty-six states have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.

Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926)

• 1926 Subpart D, Occupational health and environmental controls
  • 1926.54, Nonionizing radiation
• 1926 Subpart E, Personal protective and life saving equipment [related topic page]
  • 1926.102, Eye and face protection
    • 1926.102(b)(2), Laser protection

• Guidelines for Laser Safety and Hazard Assessment. STD 01-05-001 [PUB 8-1.7], (1991, August 5). Provides guidelines to Federal OSHA and Plan States compliance officers, 7(c)(1) consultants, and employees for the assessment of laser safety.
• Search all available directives.

• Class I Lasers. (1993, July 12).
• "De Minimis Violation" Status accorded to power lasers used in the construction industry. (1992, October 21).
• Necessary training for laser equipment operators. (1992, September 21).
• Degree of hazard associated with low power lasers in construction industry. (1992, September 17).
• Interpretation on construction standard for lasers. (1982, February 1).
• Search all available standard interpretations.