Why must workplaces display the free OSHA safety poster?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that covered employers display the OSHA safety poster to inform workers of the workers' protections and obligations, reports OSHA. Employers operating outside of issues covered by the state plan must post a notice furnished by OSHA.

The poster informs employees about rights covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The employer must place the poster in a visible area, OSHA explains. The poster is also available in Korean, Nepali, Spanish, Chinese, Polish and Portuguese. OSHA does not require employers to post foreign language posters, but a business is encouraged to do so if it employs Spanish-speaking workers.