OSHA

OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was created by Congress under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard Nixon, on December 29, 1970. Its mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

History

The creation of OSHA provided the first comprehensive federal legislation that addressed worker safety and health conditions. Prior to OSHA, there were no universal safety standards, and worker safety was often overlooked, leading to high rates of workplace injuries and deaths.

Function

OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. OSHA standards cover a wide variety of workplace safety and health hazards. The agency enforces these standards through workplace inspections and investigations.

Standards

OSHA standards are rules that describe the methods employers are legally required to follow to protect their workers from hazards. These standards are designed to reduce the risk of injury or illness to workers. They cover a wide range of topics, including exposure to hazardous substances, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and requirements for safety procedures and training.

Enforcement

OSHA enforces its standards through inspections of workplaces. These inspections may be scheduled or may be unannounced. OSHA inspectors, called compliance safety and health officers, are experienced, well-trained industrial hygienists and safety professionals.

Training and Education

OSHA provides information, training and assistance to workers and employers. The agency also provides training programs to help workers become aware of their rights and responsibilities, and to understand the hazards they may face in the workplace.

See Also

• United States Department of Labor
• Occupational Safety and Health Act
• Workplace safety
• Industrial hygiene

OSHA Resources
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