This resource center contains materials for host employers and contractors. A “host employer” is an employer that hires one or more contractors to work at the employer’s worksite(s) or perform services. A contractor is a person or company that performs specific activities or services for the host employer, such as additions, alteration, maintenance, and repair. Contractors hire subcontractors.

Federal OSHA and state rules apply to both host employers and to contractors. OSHA can cite either a host employer or a contractor, or both, for a violation.

OSHA’s multi-employer citation policy defines responsibility for safety in situations where more than one employer is involved. Several specific standards, including process safety management, hazard communication, lockout/tagout, confined spaces, HAZWOPER, and certain construction standards, specifically address multiemployer situations.