Federal OSHA jurisdiction — private sector employers
Kansas does not operate an OSHA-approved state plan. Private sector employers and workers in Kansas fall under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which means workplace safety and health standards are enforced directly by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA. The Kansas Department of Labor's Industrial Safety and Health Division provides consultative services (non-enforcement) to private employers and handles public-sector workplace safety.
Source: OSHA State Plans
Public-sector workplace safety coverage under state law
Under K.S.A. 44-636, the Kansas Secretary of Labor has authority to inspect "public works or state agency or institution" for workplace safety and health, alongside private workplaces. The Kansas Department of Labor's Industrial Safety and Health Division defines public entities to include cities, counties, school districts, and state agencies. These public employers are subject to safety and health evaluations conducted every 3 to 5 years. Public-sector employers must report all workplace fatalities to KDOL by phone at (785) 296-4386 or by email. Unlike public employers, private-sector employers and workers in Kansas fall under federal OSHA jurisdiction because Kansas does not operate an OSHA-approved state plan.
Source: K.S.A. 44-636; KDOL Public Sector Services