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Every business—no matter the industry—faces workplace safety risks. While manufacturing, construction and transportation may seem like the most hazardous sectors, industries such as health care, hospitality and education also report high numbers of nonfatal injuries and illnesses.
The reality is that workplace safety laws exist to protect everyone, including employees, contractors, and visitors. Understanding and following these laws isn’t just about compliance—it’s about preventing accidents, avoiding costly fines and fostering a culture of safety.
Below, we outline the key federal and state laws every business must follow.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act is the primary federal law protecting workers’ health and safety. Overseen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the legislation requires companies to provide employees with work environments free from recognized hazards.
Employers must maintain a workplace free from serious recognized hazards that could cause harm. This broad requirement ensures that all businesses proactively address safety concerns before they result in injuries.
Employers must inform and train employees about hazardous chemicals they may encounter in the workplace. This includes proper labeling of substances and providing access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for reference.
Businesses must keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Employers are required to report workplace fatalities within 8 hours and severe injuries—including amputations, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalizations—within 24 hours.
Employers must also document and maintain records of work-related incidents to comply with OSHA standards and facilitate inspections.
OSHA enforces compliance through inspections and investigations. OSHA agents have the authority to investigate reported violations and to issue citations for noncompliance, which may subject a company to monetary fines.
RELATED: What to Expect When OSHA Is Inspecting >>
Employers must assess workplace hazards and provide appropriate PPE to employees at no cost. They must also train employees on the correct use and maintenance of protective gear.
Employees have the right to file confidential safety complaints and request OSHA inspections—without fear of retaliation—if they believe their employer is not following OSHA standards or if a serious hazard is not being addressed.
Businesses must implement safety training programs, maintain proper records, and proactively address workplace hazards to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
In addition to federal regulations, states often have their own workplace safety laws. Businesses operating in Kansas and Missouri must comply with state-specific laws, including:
With limited exceptions, the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act prohibits smoking in all places of employment. Employers must post signs stating that smoking is against the law. Businesses also must adopt and maintain written policies that forbid workplace smoking.
Missouri’s Indoor Clean Air Act also prohibits smoking in workplaces. It does, however, allow an employer to designate a smoking area. The area must be properly separated through ventilation systems and physical barriers and may take up no more than 30% of the workplace. Employers must post appropriate signage.
Under Kansas’ Personal and Family Protection Act, employers can ban concealed firearms at the workplace or offsite work locations but most post visible signage.
Employees may keep weapons in their vehicles on the employer’s property while at work.
Missouri law allows employers to prohibit employees with concealed carry permits from bringing firearms onto company property or into company-owned vehicles.
Unless the worksite is closed to the public, the employer must post signs stating that no one may carry a concealed weapon on the property.
Kansas law prohibits all drivers from texting while driving, including writing, sending or reading text-based communications such as messages, emails, or instant messages. However, adult drivers are allowed to make and receive phone calls while driving.
Drivers with an instruction permit or intermediate license (ages 14-17) are prohibited from using a cell phone for any purpose while driving, except in emergencies.
Missouri's Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law prohibits all drivers from manually using a cell phone while driving. This includes activities such as texting, making calls or using social media unless the device is in hands-free mode.
The law took effect on August 28, 2023, with a grace period during which only warnings were issued. Full enforcement, including fines, began on January 1, 2025.
Penalties start at $150 for a first offense, increasing to $250 for a second offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses within a two-year period. Violations occurring in work zones with workers present or in school zones carry an automatic $500 fine.
RELATED: Reduce Employee Injury and Illness with Comprehensive Risk Assessments >>
To stay compliant with workplace safety laws, businesses should:
✅ Regularly assess worksites for risks.
✅ Provide employee safety training.
✅ Encourage workers to report hazards.
✅ Maintain clear safety policies and reporting procedures.
✅ Address reported concerns quickly and effectively.
A well-communicated reporting system ensures employees feel comfortable raising safety issues and understand how to report them. If a hazard is reported, management must take swift action to investigate and resolve the issue.
Axcet HR Solutions specializes in risk assessments that help small businesses identify and address potential safety hazards before they become costly issues.
Our expert risk management consultants provide guidance to ensure compliance with workplace safety laws and create a safer work environment.
👉 Contact Axcet today to schedule a consultation and protect your workforce.
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