Official Site of The State of New JerseyOffice of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health
The Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (OPEOSH) conducts general and targeted inspections and investigations to ensure workplace safety. The OPEOSH has the authority to order the correction of any safety or health hazards identified during an inspection. These services are delivered by a staff of safety professionals.
The New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act, State Standards and Procedural Standards provide for the development and enforcement of occupational safety and health regulations for public employees throughout the State. They also provide guidelines for public employers and employees to improve their working environments.
The Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act is administered by two departments, they are:
- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), which investigates complaints regarding safety hazards in the workplace. In addition, NJDOL is responsible for administering and enforcing the Act throughout the State. To obtain more information call (609) 633-3896.
- The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), which investigates complaints regarding health hazards in the workplace. Learn more about NJDOH's PEOSH Program or call (609) 984-1863. The NJDOH's PEOSH Program enforces the New Jersey Indoor Air Quality Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-13). Information concerning the standard can be found at the NJDOH's website. In addition, a copy of the standard can be found here.
The Office of Public Employees' Occupational Safety and Health (OPEOSH) covers all state and local government workers, which includes public boards, commissions, authorities, agencies, departments, and divisions at the state, county, and local levels. OPEOSH also covers volunteer fire, rescue, medical, and law enforcement personnel affiliated with or providing service to any municipal, county, or state coverage area within its jurisdiction. OPEOSH 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 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA also exercises authority over private sector employers throughout the state, and federal OSHA standards apply to these workers. The private sector includes businesses, charities, and contractors that do work for public entities, trade unions, partnerships, corporations, and all entities who employ individuals who do not receive a paycheck from a government agency.
The Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health (PSOSH) offers services to both the public and private sector. All services are provided directly to or through the agency or company; services are not provided directly to individuals. For more information on services or training for individuals, please contact the One-Stop Career Center which serves your area.
OSHA Alerts
- Link to OSHA's Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers
- Link to OSHA's Alert concerning the use of scissor lifts during filming events
OPEOSH Alerts
Periodically, OPEOSH issues Public Employer Safety and Health Alerts which address specific safety and health issues. Below is a list of Alerts that have been issued. Also listed below is an Alert that was issued by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).
- Alert 38: Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Lightning Exposure
- Alert 33: Public Employers who Designate Employees to Engage in Tree Care Operations, Tree Trimming and Tree Removal (June 2020)
- Alert 32: Preventing of Eye Injury / Loss of Vision for Firefighters (June 2020)
- NJDHSS Public Health Alert – Filling of Oxygen Cylinders and Aluminum Regulators High-pressure Oxygen Systems (June 1999)
- MSA SCBA Equipped with AirFrame Carrier and Harness Assembly (October 2006)
- Alert 31: Confined Space Rescue (October 2010)
- Alert 30: ARRA Funded Youth/Temporary Workers in Public Sector Employment (June 2009)
- Alert 29: Preventing Workers Injuries and Deaths When Operating Golf Cars, Personal Transport Vehicles and Low-speed Vehicles (June 2009)
- Alert 28: Preventing Workers Injuries and Deaths as a Result of Leaf Collection Vacuuming Equipment (February 2004)
- Alert 27: Revision to the PEOSH Standards Regarding the Reporting and Recording of Work-related Injuries and Illnesses (January 2015)
- Alert 25: The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) and Smallpox Vaccination Programs (August 2003)
- Alert 22: Bloodborne Pathogens Frequently Asked Questions (April 2002)
- Alert 21: OSHA Revises the Bloodborne Pathogen Standards (29 CFR 1910.1030) (April 2002)
- Alert 20: Preventing Workers Injuries and Deaths as a Result of Puncturing Aerosol Cans During Grinding Operations (March 2002)
- Alert 19: Preventing Workers Injuries and Deaths as a Result of Thermal Imaging Camera Use in Proximity of Portable Radios (March 2002)
- Alert 18: Revision to the PEOSH Standards Regarding the Reporting and Recording of Work-related Injuries and Illnesses (May 2002)
- Alert 17: Traffic Hazards for Firefighters, Police Officers and Emergency Medical Services Providers while Working Along Roadways (January 2002)
- Alert 16: Revision to the PEOSH Standards Regarding the Reporting and Recording of Work-related Injuries and Illnesses (December 2001)
- Alert 15: Preventing Workers Injuries and Deaths as a Result of the Release of Hazardous Energy by Motor Vehicles (May 2001)
- Alert 14: Thermal Imaging Camera Intrinsic Safety (April 2001)
- Alert 13: Preventing Workers Injuries and Deaths from Moving Refuse Collection Vehicles (March 2001)
- Alert 12: Protective Hoods for Firefighters (February 2000)
- Alert 11: Work Zone Safety for All Public Employees (February 2000)
- Alert 10: Fire Service Apparatus Purchases (April 1999)
- Alert 9: Respiratory Protection (August 1998)
- Alert 8: Automatic Conveyer Dishwashers (September 1997)
- Alert 7: Exposure to Tuberculosis (June 1997)
- Alert 6: Firefighters Protective Clothing (September 1999)
- Alert 4: Confined Space (February 1997)
- Alert 3: Lockout/Tagout (January 1997)
- Alert 2: Mandatory Reporting Requirements (New Alert #18) (May, 2002)
- Alert 1: High Voltage Contact (September 1999)
About OPEOSH
- OPEOSH Five-Year Strategic Plan FY 2024-FY 2028
- NJOPEOSH 2023 State OSHA Annual Report (SOAR)
- NJ Federal FY 2021 FAME Report
- OPEOSH Field Operations Manual (FOM)
Emergency Response
Reporting Procedures and Requirements
- New OPEOSHA Reporting Requirements effective January 5, 2015
- Recording & Reporting of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses (NJOSH 300)
- OSHA Directive: Complaint Policies & Procedures
Worker Protections
Workplace Safety
For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health at (609) 633-3896 or e-mail peosha@dol.nj.gov.
Public sector (state and local government) employers must report to NJ OPEOSH all work-related fatalities within eight (8) hours and all work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and loss-of-eye incidents within twenty-four (24) hours.
Private sector employers must report to Federal OSHA all work-related fatalities within eight (8) hours and all work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and loss-of-eye incidents within twenty-four (24) hours.
