Introduction
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that was created in 1971. OSHA is responsible for the development and enforcement of workplace safety and health regulations in the United States, and it is tasked with ensuring that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions for their employees. OSHA also provides training and assistance to employers and employees to help them understand and comply with safety and health regulations. This article provides a brief overview of OSHA and its regulatory activities.
History
In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon. The act established OSHA and gave it the authority to develop and enforce safety and health regulations in the workplace. Prior to OSHA’s establishment, workplace safety and health regulations were largely unregulated and were mostly enforced by state and local agencies. OSHA was tasked with developing a comprehensive set of national standards and regulations to ensure that employers provide safe and healthful working conditions for their employees.
Regulatory Activities
OSHA’s primary regulatory activities involve the development and enforcement of workplace safety and health regulations. These regulations are designed to protect workers from potential hazards in the workplace, such as hazardous chemicals, unsafe equipment, inadequate ventilation, and fire hazards. OSHA also regulates the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles, hard hats, and protective clothing. OSHA also provides training and assistance to employers and employees to help them understand and comply with safety and health regulations.
Conclusion
OSHA is a vital agency of the United States Department of Labor that is responsible for the development and enforcement of workplace safety and health regulations in the United States. OSHA’s primary regulatory activities involve the development and enforcement of safety and health regulations, as well as providing training and assistance to employers and employees to help them understand and comply with the regulations.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020). Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-safety-and-health-administration-osha.htm
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). What is OSHA? Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/about/what-is-osha
U.S. Department of Labor. (2020). Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/osha