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What is OSHA?

OSHA

When it comes to workplace safety, OSHA plays a critical role in protecting employees across various industries. But what exactly is OSHA, and why is it so important?

Life Without OSHA – OSHA’s History

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exists because, until 1970, no uniform or comprehensive provisions existed to protect workers against workplace safety and health hazards.

During the 19th and early 20th century, workers endured long hours of work that often exceeded 12 hours a day with little to no breaks. During this time, catastrophic injuries and deaths were extremely common. One of the most frequent causes of injuries or fatalities were machinery related accidents.

At the time, employers ignored these issues. They focused more on profit and production, and neglected worker safety. Workers became frustrated with these work conditions, and began organizing and advocating for a change. Workers organized unions and strikes which eventually led to increased awareness and legislative action.

In 1877, Massachusetts was the first state to pass a law addressing workplace safety called the Massachusetts Factory Safety Act. This law required guards on dangerous machines, proper ventilation, and emergency fire exits. However, this failed to solve the issue of poor workplace safety. Other states began adopting similar laws, but enforcement was weak, and workplaces continued to operate under hazardous conditions.

Growing Awareness

OSHA

In 1911, a vital moment occurred that changed the way workplace safety was viewed. On March 25th, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City caught fire and killed 146 garment workers on the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors of the building. The door to the only stairwell leading from the 9th floor was locked, supposedly by the owners, to prevent workers from leaving early. The tallest ladders of the New York Fire Department trucks would only reach the 6th floor.

This moment was a wake up call. The fire exposed dangerous working conditions and inadequate safety measures that, for years, had been overlooked. Public outrage began which increased pressure on lawmakers to address workplace safety and health concerns. Despite this tragedy, it took decades before the federal government implemented workplace regulations.

After WWII, growing awareness of occupational and environmental hazards began to make it’s way into the public. Unsafe working conditions Exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos and the growth of environmental movements, put a spotlight on the need for safety regulations. The hazards associated with asbestos, like lung cancer and asbestosis, became a major issue. This is what really set the stage for what would eventually become the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the public was concerned over chemical exposures, environmental pollution, and unsafe working conditions, which led to an increase advocacy for safer working conditions.

OSHA is Established!

In response to continuous concerns, the OSH Act was signed into law December 29th, 1970 by President Richard Nixon. This act aimed to provide a comprehensive foundation for protecting worker safety and health. The OSH Act established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1971, which gave the federal government the authority to:

  • Set and enforce safety and health standards
  • Outline responsibilities for employers
  • Provide research, information, education, and training
  • And, assist states in their efforts to ensure safety and health

Responsibilities and Requirements Under OSHA

The OSH Act outlines specific responsibilities that employers needed to follow to ensure a safe working environment. The requirements listed under the act included:

  • Removing recognized serious hazards
  • Complying with OSH Act requirements
  • Providing safe tools and safety equipment
  • Warning employees of potential hazards
  • Establishing safe operating procedures
  • Providing safety training
  • Posting employee rights and responsibilities
  • And, refraining from retaliation

Under OSHA, worker rights include:

  • Being trained in a way that can be clearly understood
  • Working with safe equipment
  • Receiving appropriate safety gear
  • Refusing to work under hazardous conditions or perform unsafe work tasks
  • Requesting an OSHA inspection
  • Reporting work injuries or illnesses
  • Reviewing records of work injuries or illnesses
  • And, seeing results of tests for workplace hazards

What Does OSHA Do?

OSHA is a federal agency that sets and enforces safety standards for U.S. workers to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. They set standards for different industries, including:

  • General Industry – 29 CFR Part 1910
  • Construction – 29 CFR Part 1926
  • Maritime – 29 CFR Part 1915, 1917, and 1918
  • And, Agriculture – 29 CFR Part 1928 and the General Duty Clause

OSHA enforces these standards through inspections, fines, and other actions.

OSHA’s Impact

The establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has had a significant impact on workplace safety. In 2023, there were around 15 worker deaths per day in the U.S., down from around 38 per day in 1970.  The agency’s efforts have helped reduce workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.

Conclusion

OSHA is a vital agency that plays a key role in safeguarding the health and safety of workers across the country. Through its regulations, enforcement, and educational initiatives, OSHA helps create safer work environments, reduces the risk of injuries, and ensures that employers are held accountable for the well-being of their employees. Understanding OSHA’s role and its standards is essential for both employers and workers, as it empowers them to contribute to a safer, more compliant workplace. Stay informed and make safety a priority.

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