<P> OSHA's protection applies to all federal agencies . Section 19 of the OSH Act makes federal agency heads responsible for providing safe and healthful working conditions for their workers . OSHA conducts inspections of federal facilities in response to workers' reports of hazards and under programs that target high hazard federal workplaces . </P> <P> Federal agencies must have a safety and health program that meets the same standards as private employers . OSHA issues "virtual fines" to federal agencies--following an inspection where violations are found, OSHA issues a press release stating the size the fine would be if the federal agency were a private sector employer . Under a 1998 amendment, the OSHA Act covers the U.S. Postal Service the same as any private sector employer . </P> <P> The self - employed; immediate family members of farm employers; and workplace hazards regulated by another federal agency (for example, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Energy, or Coast Guard). </P> <P> Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace . </P>

Who appoints the occupational safety and health review commission