Tex. Health & Safety Code Ann. ch. 341 (subchs. A, B, E, F) § 341.016
SANITATION OF BUSINESSES; OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY.
Operative Text
Sec. 341.016. SANITATION OF BUSINESSES; OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY. (a) A person may not use or permit to be used in a business, manufacturing establishment, or other place of employment a process, material, or condition known to have a possible adverse effect on the health of the person's employees unless arrangements have been made to maintain the occupational environment in a manner that such injury will not occur.(b) An industrial establishment shall be continually maintained in a sanitary condition.(c) The department shall make available to the state's citizens:(1) current information concerning minimum allowable concentrations of toxic gases; and(2) environmental standards that relate to the health and safety of the employees of industrial establishments in this state.(d) The department shall survey industrial establishments to study industrial health and sanitation issues, including water supplies and distribution, waste disposal, and adverse conditions caused by processes that may cause ill health of industrial workers.(e) The department shall give each surveyed establishment a summary of the studies and findings under Subsection (d) and make necessary recommendations for the adequate protection of the health, safety, and well-being of the workers. Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Texas Health & Safety Code § 341.016 establishes that businesses and industrial workplaces may not use processes, materials, or conditions known to potentially harm employee health unless the occupational environment is managed to prevent such harm. Industrial establishments must be kept in a continuously sanitary condition. The Texas Department of State Health Services is directed to publish information on toxic gas concentration limits and environmental health standards, survey industrial workplaces for health and sanitation concerns, and share findings and recommendations with those establishments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although § 341.016 is primarily an occupational health provision rather than a residential landlord-tenant rule, property owners who operate or lease space to businesses or industrial tenants should be aware that the law prohibits allowing hazardous processes or conditions that could harm workers without adequate environmental controls in place. Compliant operators of commercial or industrial properties generally ensure that leased premises are maintained in a sanitary condition and that any known hazardous materials or processes are addressed through proper environmental management. Landlords overseeing such properties may also receive survey summaries and recommendations from the state department under § 341.016(e), which can inform maintenance and lease compliance obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Workers and tenants in industrial or commercial settings are protected under § 341.016 from being exposed to processes, materials, or conditions known to have possible adverse health effects without adequate safeguards in place. Employees who believe their workplace violates this provision may report concerns to the Texas Department of State Health Services, which is authorized to survey establishments and issue health and safety recommendations under § 341.016(d)–(e). Tenant-rights organizations and worker advocacy groups can help individuals understand what options may be available when occupational health or sanitation standards appear not to be met.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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