Which type of standard applies to all industries?

The correct answer is that horizontal standards apply to all industries. Horizontal standards are designed to cover a wide range of workplaces and address issues that are relevant across various sectors, rather than being tailored to the specific needs of a particular industry (which would be the case with vertical standards).

Horizontal standards establish requirements that apply to multiple sectors, promoting a consistent approach to safety and health across different workplaces. They encompass core safety and health provisions, such as hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and recordkeeping, which are universally applicable regardless of the type of industry.

This broad applicability helps ensure that fundamental safety principles are followed in all work environments, contributing to a baseline level of worker protection. This is crucial for promoting safety culture across industries and helps employers understand their responsibilities, fostering compliance with OSHA regulations universally.