Overview

• Initial Approval: July 23, 2003 (68 FR 43457)

The Virgin Islands Division of Occupational Safety and Health (VIDOSH) is part of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor which is headed by the Commissioner. The main office is located in Christiansted, St. Croix.

Coverage

The Virgin Islands State Plan 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 Virgin Islands State Plan is included in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 29 CFR 1952.26. OSHA retains the authority to monitor the Virgin Islands State Plan under Section 18(f) of the OSH Act.

State Plan Standards and Regulations

VIDOSH has adopted all OSHA standards and regulations applicable to territorial government employment and does not have any unique standards or regulations.

Enforcement Programs

VIDOSH is responsible for the enforcement of its occupational safety and health standards. VIDOSH utilizes the Field Operations Manual (FOM) with modifications specific for territorial government enforcement. More information can be found on the Virgin Islands State Plan website.

Voluntary and Cooperative Programs

VIDOSH has a territorial government consultation program. It also has an agreement with OSHA, under section 21(d) of the OSH Act, 29 USC 670(d) to provide free on-site consultation services to the private sector. For more information, please contact the "Safety in Paradise" On-site Consultation Program which is administered by the University of the Virgin Islands.

Appeals

A territorial sector employer who receives a citation and would like to contest it may notify the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor within 15 work days of issuance and a hearing will be held. For more information on proceedings, please visit the Virgin Islands State Plan website.