The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency in the United States that is dedicated to protecting and promoting worker health and safety. Established by Congress in 1971 through the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA was a response to the growing concerns over workplace accidents that were resulting in a high number of worker deaths and disabilities.
Before the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, there were approximately 14,000 worker deaths and 2.5 million disabled workers annually. These alarming statistics prompted the government to take action and prioritize the safety and well-being of American workers. OSHA’s main goal is to create safe and healthy working conditions for employees across the nation.
Since its establishment, OSHA has played a critical role in transforming the landscape of worker safety in the United States. Through the enforcement of workplace laws and standards, as well as the provision of training, outreach, education, and assistance, OSHA has significantly contributed to making workplaces safer. The agency has successfully reduced the work fatality rate by more than half and has achieved notable reductions in overall injury and illness rates in industries where it has focused its attention, such as textiles and excavation.
OSHA operates under the direction of the assistant secretary for occupational safety and health, who reports to the secretary of labor. Its jurisdiction extends across the entire country, covering all 50 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The agency’s authority encompasses most private sector employers and their workers, as well as a broad range of industry workplaces, including construction, maritime, and agriculture. Some public sector employers and their workers are also covered by OSHA, although self-employed workers and immediate members of farm families who do not employ nonfamily workers are not covered.
In addition to its federal presence, OSHA allows states to have their own occupational safety and health regulatory programs, known as “state plans.” These state plans must meet or exceed federal OSHA regulations, but they also have the flexibility to implement stricter regulations if they choose.
OSHA sets and enforces standards and requirements that employers must adhere to in order to ensure the safety and health of their workers. These standards are developed based on thorough workplace research and input from various stakeholders, including technical experts, employers, unions, and other relevant parties. Employers are responsible for inspecting their workplaces for potential hazards, minimizing or eliminating hazards, keeping records of workplace injuries and illnesses, training employees on safety and health hazards, and educating them on accident prevention measures. Likewise, employees are expected to follow rules, comply with OSHA standards, adhere to safety regulations, wear protective equipment when required, report hazardous conditions, and report job-related injuries and illnesses.
To assist employers in meeting these standards, OSHA provides a wide range of resources, including training programs and educational tools. The agency also has the authority to issue fines for violations, with penalties reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, violators may even face criminal prosecution.
Apart from enforcing regulations and standards, OSHA also champions the rights of employees. Workers have the right to access copies of OSHA regulations and request information about workplace hazards, precautions, and procedures. They can also request inspections if they believe their workplace is hazardous or in violation of regulations. Additionally, OSHA and federal laws protect employees who report possible violations to their employers or other agencies from retaliation.
To support its mission, OSHA runs various programs, such as the Alliance Program, which encourages collaboration between employers, labor unions, trade or professional groups, government agencies, and educational institutions to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Additionally, the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program offers incentives and support to employers for the development and implementation of workplace safety and health programs.
Overall, OSHA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of American workers. Through its enforcement of standards, outreach efforts, and support for employee rights, the agency has made significant contributions to improving workplace safety across the nation.