Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Overview
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was established by Congress under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon on December 29, 1970. OSHA's mission is to "assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance". The agency is also charged with enforcing a variety of whistleblower statutes and regulations.
History
OSHA was created in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon. The Act was the first comprehensive federal law that regulated safety and health conditions in the private sector workplace. The Act also created the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health.
Function and Responsibilities
OSHA's primary function is to ensure that employers provide their workers with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm. This is achieved through the enforcement of standards developed under the Act. OSHA is also responsible for providing training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and workers.
Standards and Regulations
OSHA standards and regulations cover a wide range of workplace safety and health hazards. These standards are grouped into four major categories: General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture. Each category has its own set of standards that apply to specific workplace environments. OSHA also has the authority to promulgate, modify, or revoke occupational safety and health standards.
Enforcement
OSHA enforces its standards and regulations through inspections conducted by its compliance safety and health officers. Inspections are initiated without advance notice, conducted using on-site or telephone and facsimile investigations, performed at all types of worksites, and if necessary, may involve obtaining a warrant.
Training and Education
OSHA provides training and education to employers and employees through its Outreach Training Program. This program includes courses on specific safety and health topics, as well as a Trainer Course for individuals who wish to become authorized trainers in the OSHA Outreach Training Program.
Whistleblower Protection
OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of more than twenty whistleblower statutes protecting employees who report violations of various workplace safety, airline,