Legal Definitions - Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, often abbreviated as OSHA, is a foundational federal law in the United States.

This Act was established to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees across the nation. It places two primary requirements on employers:

• First, employers must keep their workplaces free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to their employees. This is often referred to as the "General Duty Clause."
• Second, employers must comply with specific safety and health standards developed and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (also known as OSHA), the federal agency created by this Act. These standards cover a wide range of workplace conditions, from chemical exposure limits to requirements for personal protective equipment.

Here are some examples illustrating how the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 applies:

• Example 1: Manufacturing Plant Safety

  In a metal fabrication plant, workers operate large presses and cutting machines. The Act requires the employer to install safety guards on these machines to prevent hands or limbs from being caught in moving parts. Additionally, the employer must implement "lockout/tagout" procedures, which ensure that machinery is de-energized and cannot be accidentally started during maintenance or repair, thereby preventing serious injury or death to employees working on the equipment. This illustrates the Act's requirement to protect workers from recognized hazards through specific safety measures.

• Example 2: Construction Site Fall Protection

  On a multi-story building construction site, workers are frequently exposed to fall hazards. The Act mandates that employers provide fall protection systems, such as guardrails around open edges, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (like harnesses and lanyards) for employees working at specific heights. Without these measures, a worker could suffer severe injury or death from a fall. This demonstrates the Act's enforcement of specific safety standards to mitigate a common and serious workplace hazard.

• Example 3: Healthcare Worker Protection

  In a hospital setting, nurses and other medical staff routinely handle needles and other sharp instruments, posing a risk of needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The Act requires the hospital to provide safety-engineered needles (e.g., retractable or shielded needles) and establish clear protocols for the safe handling and disposal of sharps. This compliance with specific standards helps to prevent serious infections and illnesses among healthcare workers, fulfilling the Act's goal of protecting employees from recognized health hazards.