1910.141(a)(5): Vermin Control
Employers must build, equip and maintain every enclosed workplace, so far as reasonably practicable, to keep out rodents, insects and other vermin. Where vermin are found, a continuing and effective extermination program must be put in place.
Key takeaways
- 1910.141(a)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 257 times in the last 3 years, in 257 inspections, with $713,538 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (70), NY (31), VA (12).
- Related part: 1910.141(a) General (818 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.141(a)(5) ("Vermin control") is one requirement inside 1910.141 Sanitation, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(5) Vermin control. Every enclosed workplace shall be so constructed, equipped, and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, and other vermin. A continuing and effective extermination program shall be instituted where their presence is detected. 257 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.141.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 89 |
| 2026 | 55 |
Top states: PR (70), NY (31), VA (12), TN (10), MI (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE HOME DEPOT | SALEM, NH | $82,750 |
| DS | SAN JUAN, PR | $59,115 |
| DE | TOA BAJA, PR | $59,115 |
| DE | TOA ALTA, PR | $25,000 |
| DE | GUAYNABO, PR | $25,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.141(a)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA regulates vermin control at permanent places of employment and at temporary labor camps. (1992-07-20)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.141(a) General 818 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3) Housekeeping 519 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(i) 452 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4) Waste disposal 42 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(ii) 42 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.141(a)(4)(i) 11 citations
- 1910.141(a)(3)(iii) 11 citations
- 1910.141(a)(2) Definitions applicable to this section
- 1910.141(a)(1) Scope
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Do employers have to keep pests out of the workplace?
Yes. Every enclosed workplace must be constructed, equipped and maintained, so far as reasonably practicable, to prevent entrance or harborage of vermin.
What happens if pests are found?
A continuing and effective extermination program must be instituted.
What counts as vermin?
Rodents, insects and other vermin.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.141 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.