OSHA has reported hearing numerous complaints from employers who have received “official looking” announcements and, in some cases, threatening notices from various companies requiring that employers must purchase OSHA documents from them in order to remain in compliance with OSHA rules and regulations, according to CommunityDispatch.com. The most popular document being offered for sale is the OSHA Workplace Poster.

In order to ensure that employers do not become victims of fraudulent solicitation practices or incur unnecessary costs for such resources, the agency emphasizes that its publications and posters are available free to anyone who asks simply by visiting the publications page on OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/pubindex.list. The publications, posters, fact sheets, etc., can be ordered through the publications office or, in most cases, downloaded directly from the Web site.

Employers are required to continually display a poster prepared by the Department of Labor that informs employees of protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The poster must be displayed in a conspicuous place where employees, as well as applicants for employment, can view it. Private employers may use the poster available from OSHA's Web site, or a suitable reproduction or facsimile.