The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released a newly updated Job Safety and Health – It’s the Law! workplace poster as part of its new “OSHA Cares” initiative. Whenever OSHA updates a required posting, employers understandably ask the same question:
“Do we have to replace our current OSHA poster immediately?”
Here is what you need to know.
What Is the New OSHA Poster?
The updated poster is part of OSHA’s “OSHA Cares” initiative, which is designed to modernize and improve communication with workers about their rights and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The Job Safety and Health poster generally includes:
- A summary of employees’ rights under the OSH Act
- Employer responsibilities to provide a safe and healthful workplace
- Information about how to file a complaint with OSHA
- Whistleblower protections
- Contact information for OSHA
The updated design reflects OSHA’s current branding and messaging under the “OSHA Cares” campaign but does not fundamentally change employer obligations under the law.
Must Employers Replace Their Existing Poster?
No. It is not necessary to replace your existing OSHA posters.
OSHA has made it clear that employers may use the new version of the poster, but they are not required to replace previous versions, provided that:
- At least one official OSHA Job Safety and Health poster is displayed, and
- It remains legible and accessible to employees.
In other words, if you are already displaying a compliant OSHA poster, you are still in compliance.
Where Must the OSHA Poster Be Displayed?
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must display the poster:
- In a conspicuous location
- Where employees can readily observe it
- Typically in areas such as break rooms, near time clocks, or other common gathering areas
The poster:
- Must not be partially covered
- Must not be altered
- Must remain legible
- Should not be faded, damaged, or worn to the point that employees cannot read it
If your current poster is outdated, torn, faded, or difficult to read, now may be a good time to replace it—even if OSHA does not strictly require you to do so.
What About Remote Workers?
If your workforce includes remote or telework employees, OSHA allows electronic posting, provided employees have reasonable access to the posting in a manner comparable to physical posting in a workplace.
What Should Employers Do Now?
Here is a simple checklist:
- Verify that an OSHA Job Safety and Health poster is currently displayed.
- Confirm that it is legible and not damaged.
- Ensure it is located in a conspicuous area accessible to employees.
- Replace it if necessary, either with the new “OSHA Cares” version or another official version.
There is no need to panic or rush to replace compliant postings. OSHA’s announcement is more about updated branding than new regulatory requirements.
Where to Get an OSHA Poster
You can download the latest OSHA poster directly from the OSHA website at: https://www.osha.gov/publications/poster. However, if you choose to go this route, know that posters must meet the minimum size requirement of at least 8½ inches by 14 inches, and not 8½ by 11 inches, per OSHA regulation 1903.2(a)(3).
We also offer multiple poster solutions to help you meet Federal and State posting requirements on our website at: https://oshatraining.theoshastore.com/shop-all-departments/labor-law-poster.html
Final Thoughts
OSHA posting violations are among the easiest citations to avoid. A simple check of your bulletin board can prevent an unnecessary compliance issue during an inspection.
If you are reviewing your postings, it may also be a good time to confirm that your required OSHA training is current and properly documented.
For more OSHA compliance resources and training materials, visit our website at https://www.oshatraining.com
