CandleFocus Glossary Editor
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is a comprehensive piece of legislation whose purpose is to ensure that employers provide safe and healthy working environments for their employees. The law established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which are responsible for providing enforcement and research support, respectively.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to adhere to certain standards for workplace safety and health. These standards cover a wide array of topics, including safe use of machinery, use of personal protective equipment, hazardous working conditions, as well as other employee protections. Employers are also required to provide proper training and instruction in the use of any hazardous materials or equipment, as well as provide proper storage, disposal, and other necessary information.
When employers are found to be in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA can levy fines of up to $7,000 for each violation. OSHA also has the power to shut down operations if the violations are serious enough. OSHA also regularly inspects worksites to ensure compliance with the Act.
The act also requires employers to keep records of illnesses, injuries, and fatalities that occur in the workplace. This data is used by both OSHA and NIOSH to determine which workplace hazards are most common, as well as identify areas of improvement. Both organizations also use the data to develop best practices and standards that can be used to improve workplace safety and health.
By establishing clear guidelines, setting enforceable standards, and providing workplace safety and health education and training, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has and will continue to save countless lives and prevent countless workplace injuries and illnesses. In addition to protecting the safety and health of employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Act also benefits employers by lowering workers’ compensation costs, reducing liabilities, and improving employee morale.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to adhere to certain standards for workplace safety and health. These standards cover a wide array of topics, including safe use of machinery, use of personal protective equipment, hazardous working conditions, as well as other employee protections. Employers are also required to provide proper training and instruction in the use of any hazardous materials or equipment, as well as provide proper storage, disposal, and other necessary information.
When employers are found to be in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA can levy fines of up to $7,000 for each violation. OSHA also has the power to shut down operations if the violations are serious enough. OSHA also regularly inspects worksites to ensure compliance with the Act.
The act also requires employers to keep records of illnesses, injuries, and fatalities that occur in the workplace. This data is used by both OSHA and NIOSH to determine which workplace hazards are most common, as well as identify areas of improvement. Both organizations also use the data to develop best practices and standards that can be used to improve workplace safety and health.
By establishing clear guidelines, setting enforceable standards, and providing workplace safety and health education and training, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has and will continue to save countless lives and prevent countless workplace injuries and illnesses. In addition to protecting the safety and health of employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Act also benefits employers by lowering workers’ compensation costs, reducing liabilities, and improving employee morale.