OSHA
What is OSHA?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a regulatory agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, signed into law by President Richard Nixon. OSHA’s primary mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers in the United States by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
Key Functions of OSHA
1. Setting Standards: OSHA sets and enforces standards to ensure workplace safety and health. These standards are rules that describe the methods employers must use to protect their employees from hazards.
2. Enforcement: OSHA conducts inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with its standards. When violations are found, OSHA can issue citations and fines.
3. Training and Education: OSHA provides training programs, educational materials, and resources to help employers and workers understand and comply with OSHA standards and regulations.
4. Outreach and Assistance: OSHA offers assistance through various programs and initiatives designed to help employers improve workplace safety and health.
5. Consultation Services: OSHA provides free and confidential consultation services to small and medium-sized businesses to help them identify and correct workplace hazards.
6. Recordkeeping and Reporting: OSHA requires employers to keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses and report certain incidents. This data helps identify workplace safety issues and trends.
Impact of OSHA:
OSHA’s efforts have led to significant improvements in workplace safety and health since its inception. The agency has contributed to a substantial decrease in workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses, promoting a safer and healthier work environment for millions of workers across the United States.
FAQs
OSHA has two meanings:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)- was signed into law in 1970. It was designed to assure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – is the government agency responsible for enforcing compliance with the Act.
The OSHA Act protects the safety and health of workers. It requires employers to provide a working environment free from recognized hazards which includes taking measures to mitigate the risk of illness, injury, or death.
OSHA develops and enforces standards and a variety of regulations. The agency also offers training, outreach, and assistance to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.
OSHA compliance is following the safety and health standards that apply to a business in order to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and workforce. OSHA requires facilities to provide annual training to staff, have written policies and procedures for employees to access as needed, and requires facilities to have their documentation in order.
