Alaska State Requirements

Occupational Safety and Health State Plan for Alaska

Alaska is one of the states in the United States that operates its own occupational safety and health program, commonly known as a state plan, under the jurisdiction of the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health (AKOSH) division. The state plan in Alaska is responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations within the state.

AKOSH operates under an agreement with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets minimum standards for workplace safety and health. However, AKOSH may have additional requirements that are specific to the state of Alaska.

The primary objective of Alaska Occupational Safety and Health is to protect workers in Alaska by preventing industrial accidents and work-related illnesses. This is achieved through the enforcement of state and federal standards, as well as through the provision of training programs that promote the adoption of safe and healthy work practices by employers and employees. In addition, the section administers certification programs for tasks such as asbestos abatement, hazardous painting, and explosives handling, ensuring that these specialized activities are conducted safely and in compliance with established regulations.

Under the state plan, AKOSH conducts inspections of workplaces, investigates complaints and accidents, provides outreach and education to employers and employees, and enforces safety and health regulations. The goal is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all employees in the state.

It's important to note that while Alaska operates its own state plan, federal OSHA regulations still apply to certain industries and federal government employees within the state.

The Alaska State Plan is concisely outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 CFR 1952.12, providing a brief summary of its provisions. However, it is important to note that Federal OSHA maintains the power to establish, amend, or repeal occupational safety and health standards under Section 6 of the OSH Act. If federal OSHA resumes enforcement, the corresponding federal standards will be implemented. Additionally, Federal OSHA retains the authority to oversee and evaluate the State Plan's compliance and performance under Section 18(f) of the OSH Act.

AKOSH has fully adopted all federal OSHA standards and incorporates them through reference. Furthermore, AKOSH has also implemented the following additional standards

General Industry

• Explosives and Blasting Agents
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Temporary Labor Camps
• Confined Spaces
• Logging and Forestry
• Telecommunications
• Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
• Painting Operations
• Electrical Hazards
• Toxic Substances
• Bloodborne Pathogens and Other Infectious Diseases
• Hazard Communication
• Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing, and Production
• Oil and Gas Refining, Transportation, and Handling
• Asbestos Abatement (Training, Certification, and Plan Approval)

Construction

• Gases, Vapors, Fumes, Dusts, or Mists
• Steel Erection and Wood Framing
• Electric Power Transmission and Distribution

Please keep in mind that regulations and programs may change over time, so it's advisable to refer to the most up-to-date information from official sources, such as the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development or the AKOSH division, to obtain the latest details on the state plan for Alaska.