OSHA standards do not apply to state university employees

October 11, 2006

Mr. Dick Bartosh
Environmental, Health, and Safety Officer
UWSP 101 Geo. Stien Bldg.
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897

Dear Mr. Bartosh:

This is in response to your letter of July 13, 2006, addressed to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Correspondence Control Unit (CCU), regarding training requirements for a Genie TMZ 34/19, vehicle-mounted powered platform. CCU has referred your letter to the Directorate of Enforcement Programs (DEP).

Your question involves the protection of employees at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Since the University of Wisconsin is a state university, it is not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) and therefore OSHA standards do not apply to employees of the university. See 29 USC §652(5) (OSH Act does not apply to the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State).

Sincerely,

Richard E. Fairfax, Director
Directorate of Enforcement Programs