Which written safety programs does OSHA require?
Short answer
OSHA standards that require a written program include Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Respiratory Protection, Bloodborne Pathogens (exposure control plan), Permit-Required Confined Spaces, Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention Plans for employers above 10 employees, and Hearing Conservation where noise exposure triggers it. Each must describe your workplace specifically — a generic template that names no equipment or chemicals is routinely cited.
Written program requirements at a glance
| Standard | Written document | Must include |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard Communication | Written HazCom program | Chemical inventory, labeling system, SDS access, training plan |
| Lockout/Tagout | Energy control program | Machine-specific procedures, authorized employees, annual inspection |
| Respiratory Protection | Written respirator program | Selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, maintenance, program administrator |
| Bloodborne Pathogens | Exposure control plan | Exposure determination, engineering controls, post-exposure follow-up, annual review |
| Confined Spaces | Permit space program | Space inventory, entry permits, attendant and rescue duties |
| Emergency Action Plan | Written plan (10+ employees) | Evacuation routes, alarm system, headcount procedure, contacts |
| Fire Prevention | Written plan (10+ employees) | Fuel sources, controls, maintenance, responsible person |
Under 11 employees is not a free pass
Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the emergency action plan and fire prevention plan orally instead of writing them, but the plan itself must still exist and employees must still know it. The other standards above carry no small-employer exemption from the written document.
Why templates get cited
A written program is judged on whether it describes your workplace. Inspectors look for your actual chemicals, your actual machines, your named program administrator, and a review date. Downloaded templates typically fail on all four. The fastest fix is a program generated from your own equipment and chemical list, reviewed and dated.
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Sources
Last reviewed September 4, 2026. Educational summary based on federal OSHA standards. State plans may impose stricter requirements. Not legal advice.