OSHA 's Letters of Interpretation Offer Insight on Regulation

OSHA answers specific company questions about issues such as trips and falls, as well as forklift injuries.
Oct. 1, 2025

To help companies understand the breadth of OSHA regulations, the agency issues letters of interpretation to explain how to comply with regulations in specific workplace situations.

Subject matter experts answer questions from employers, employees, or other parties who want clarification about OSHA standards. 

Recent letters of interpretation issued addressed topics such as:

Preventing trips and falls on steps

Exposure to hazardous chemicals

Forklift injuries 

More letters are posted to OSHA's website

Note: These letters of interpretation and the standards they address may not apply to OSHA State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or additional requirements. Please see OSHA-approved State Plans for more information.

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