Kentucky Aligns Workplace Safety Standards with Federal OSHA - HR ALERTS

Kentucky Aligns Workplace Safety Standards with Federal OSHA

Effective:  June 27, 2025

Effective June 27, 2025, Kentucky will implement significant changes to its occupational safety and health regulations through House Bill 398 (HB 398). This legislation aligns the state's workplace safety standards with federal OSHA regulations, impacting private-sector employers across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions:

• Alignment with Federal Standards: Kentucky's Division of Occupational Safety and Health Compliance (KY OSH) is prohibited from adopting or enforcing any occupational safety and health regulations that are more stringent than federal OSHA standards or not promulgated by federal OSHA or the U.S. Department of Labor. This change applies to private-sector employers, while the state retains authority over public-sector regulations. ​ 

• Time Limits for Complaints and Citations: The law establishes explicit timeframes for workplace safety enforcement:

  • Employees must file retaliation complaints within 30 days of the alleged incident, aligning with federal OSHA's timeline.

  • KY OSH must issue citations for safety violations within six months of the occurrence, standardizing the citation period.

Implications for Employers:

Employers operating in Kentucky should review their workplace safety policies to ensure compliance with federal OSHA standards. The alignment aims to streamline regulatory requirements, particularly benefiting businesses operating across multiple states.​ For more detailed information: KY HB 398 

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