Occupational Safety and Health Act

Introduction

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) establishes workplace safety and health standards in the United States. The Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to enforce standards and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct research.

General Duty Clause

Employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm. This general duty obligation applies even where no specific OSHA standard addresses the hazard.

Standards

OSHA promulgates standards addressing specific workplace hazards including fall protection, hazardous chemicals, confined spaces, machine guarding, and personal protective equipment.

Enforcement

OSHA conducts workplace inspections, issues citations for violations, and assesses penalties. Employer obligations include recordkeeping, posting notices, and providing training. Employees have rights to request inspections and protection from retaliation.