What OSHA Really Says About Birds on Your Facility

Birds aren’t just messy, they’re a liability. If you manage a facility, you already know birds can be more than an annoyance. Droppings, nests, and corrosion aren’t just maintenance headaches - they’re safety and compliance risks that can cost thousands.

What most facility managers don’t realize is that OSHA does care about birds, even though there’s no “bird rule” written in the books. Birds fall under several existing OSHA obligations, and failing to address them could easily lead to citations under general safety standards.

No Bird-Specific Standard - But OSHA Still Covers It

Let’s clear this up first: OSHA doesn’t have a bird-specific regulation. You won’t find a section that says, “Bird Control for Industrial Sites.”

However, OSHA does classify birds as “other vermin,” and that means their presence on or inside your facility can fall under 29 CFR 1910.141(a)(5) - the general industry standard for housekeeping and vermin control.

That standard requires every workplace to be constructed and maintained to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, and other vermin. Birds fit that category when they’re nesting in rafters, ledges, or HVAC systems.

In addition, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires every employer to maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards - including those caused by birds and their droppings.

How Birds Create OSHA Hazards

Here’s where the real risk shows up. Birds don’t just perch and fly off - they leave behind hazards that tie directly to OSHA concerns:

• Slip and Fall Hazards - Droppings on docks, walkways, or entryways create slippery surfaces.

• Respiratory and Biohazard Risks - Dried droppings can release fungal spores that cause illnesses like histoplasmosis or psittacosis.

• Equipment and Structural Damage - Nesting in HVAC units or drains can clog systems and create unsafe operating conditions.

• Fire and Egress Hazards - Nests in light fixtures, beams, or electrical boxes can become fire risks or block exit signage.

• Contamination Risks - In food or manufacturing facilities, droppings and feathers can contaminate products or equipment, which can trigger both OSHA and FDA issues.

If your employees can slip, inhale airborne contaminants, or get sick because of birds - it’s no longer just a pest problem. It’s a safety violation waiting to happen.

What OSHA Expects Facility Managers to Do

So what’s your responsibility as a facility manager? OSHA doesn’t expect you to become an ornithologist - but they do expect a proactive approach to keeping birds and their mess under control.

Here’s what compliance looks like in practice:

1. Inspect and Identify Problem Areas

Audit your property for hotspots - roof ledges, HVAC intakes, loading docks, signage, and structural overhangs. These are prime nesting and roosting zones.

2. Maintain Strong Housekeeping Practices

Seal openings, fix broken seals around roll-up doors, and eliminate standing water or food sources. Regularly remove droppings and nesting debris - this satisfies OSHA’s vermin-control and housekeeping standards.

3. Develop a Bird Management Plan

Document your inspection routine, control methods, and cleanup procedures. This shows OSHA you’ve recognized the hazard and are taking steps to manage it. Include:

• Cleaning protocols (wet droppings before removal to avoid dust)

• PPE requirements for cleanup (respirators, gloves, eye protection)

• Training for maintenance staff on safe removal and sanitation

4. Keep Records

Track inspections, cleaning logs, and any employee training related to bird hazards. If an illness or injury occurs, document it properly in your OSHA 300/300A logs.