Overview

• Initial Approval: November 3, 1978 (43 FR 51389)
• State Plan Certification: August 21, 1986 (51 FR 29918)

The Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Division (CONN-OSHA) is part of the Connecticut Department of Labor. The main office is located in Wethersfield.

Coverage

CONN-OSHA covers all state and local government workers in the state. It does not cover federal government workers. Federal government workers, including those employed by the United States Postal Service and civilian workers on military bases, are covered by OSHA. OSHA also exercises authority over private sector employers in the state and federal OSHA standards apply to these workers. A brief summary of the Connecticut State Plan is included in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 29 CFR 1952.23. OSHA retains the authority to monitor the State Plan under Section 18(f) of the OSH Act.

State Plan Standards

CONN-OSHA has adopted all OSHA standards for general industry and construction. CONN-OSHA incorporates federal standards by reference. Therefore, the state and federal standards are identical with the exception of Table Z-1, Limits for Air Contaminants, in 29 CFR 1910.1000, 29 CFR 1904.1, 29 CFR 1904.2, note to Subpart B and non-mandatory Appendix A to Subpart B of 29 CFR 1904.

Enforcement Programs

CONN-OSHA compliance is responsible for the enforcement of CONN-OSHA safety and health standards. Compliance officers inspect workplaces for hazardous conditions and issue citations where violations of CONN-OSHA regulations are found. Inspections may be the result of: regular scheduling, imminent danger reports, fatalities, worker complaints or referrals. CONN-OSHA enforces a provision prohibiting retaliation for occupational safety or health activity. More information on enforcement in Connecticut can be found on the Connecticut State Plan website.

Voluntary and Cooperative Programs

CONN-OSHA offers voluntary and cooperative programs focused on reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. CONN-OSHA also offers on-site consultation services which help employers - both public and private - comply with CONN-OSHA or OSHA standards and identify and correct potential safety and health hazards. For more information on these programs, please visit the Connecticut State Plan website.

Informal Conferences and Appeals

CONN-OSHA personnel conduct informal conferences in an effort to resolve contested cases. The Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission hears and rules on appeals from citations, notifications, and penalties issued by CONN-OSHA. For more information, please visit the Connecticut State Plan website.