If you have a business with employees, and your business is not a municipality or state entity, then you are likely required to comply with OSHA standards. Most people are confused about who is exempt from OSHA and assume they are under no obligation to implement a thorough and proper safety program. In most cases, they would be wrong. The following are the most common myths associated with being exempt from OSHA in the U.S.:

Myth #1: Small Companies Are Exempt

Employers with 10 or fewer employees for the entire year are partially exempt from keeping an OSHA 300 injury and illness log, however the company must keep the log if OSHA directs them to do so. What companies don’t usually understand is the partial exemption from keeping OSHA 300 logs doesn’t exempt the company from OSHA regulations. The employers of companies with 10 or fewer employees, like all companies, must provide a workplace free of hazards that could pose serious injury or death as specified in OSHA’s standards.

Myth #2: Certain Industries Are Exempt

Like Myth #1, people get confused about OSHA’s partial exemption for certain industries from keeping OSHA 300 logs. The exemption for some low risk industries from keeping OSHA 300 logs does not mean the employers in those industries are not required to comply with OSHA standards. Like Myth #1, OSHA responds to fatal and serious injury reports as well as employee complaints, so while you thought you were exempt from an OSHA visit, you still may find OSHA at your door.

Myth #3: Government Entities Are Exempt

While municipal and state entities are exempt from OSHA, federal government entities are not. The IRS, U.S. Postal Service and other federal government offices are routinely inspected by OSHA. There are no monetary fines levied on federal government offices, but the citations are posted and must be resolved.

The chances are likely that your company is required to comply with OSHA standards. Since 2012, OSHA visits to companies in central Texas has jumped 34%. Around 25% of all OSHA inspections in central Texas come from employee complaints.