OSHA Overview

Introduction to OSHA

• OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Established by Congress under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
• Mission: To protect workers' safety and health in the workplace.
• Prior to 1970, there were no national laws protecting employees from safety and health hazards.

Purpose and Mission of OSHA

• Created to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for every working man and woman.
• Mission involves:
  • Saving lives
  • Preventing injuries
  • Protecting workers' health

Coverage of the OSHA Act

• Applies to various sectors:
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Long-shoring
  • Agriculture
  • Medicine
  • Disaster relief
• Covers religious groups employing workers for non-religious purposes.

Workers' Rights Under OSHA

• Right to a safe and healthy workplace.
• Right to information about on-the-job injuries and illnesses.
• Right to complain about hazards and request corrections.
• Right to know about hazardous chemicals and receive training on dealing with them.
• Right to file a complaint with OSHA.
• Right to participate in OSHA inspections without retaliation.

Hazard Communication

• Employers must have a written hazard communication program:
  • Information on container labeling
  • Safety data sheets (SDS)
  • Worker training on chemical hazards
• Program must include a list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Employers with more than 10 workers must maintain logs of work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Reports of fatalities or severe injuries must be submitted to OSHA within specified timeframes.

Employer Responsibilities

• Familiarize themselves with OSHA standards applicable to their workplace.
• Implement safety policies and procedures to eliminate recognized hazards.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
• Conduct training on health and safety hazards.
• Maintain accurate injury and illness records.

OSHA Inspections

• OSHA utilizes a system of inspection priorities:
  • Imminent danger situations
  • Fatalities or catastrophes
  • Complaints and referrals
  • Programmed inspections
• Four major stages of an OSHA inspection:
  1. Presenting credentials
  2. Opening conference
  3. Walk-around
  4. Closing conference
• Inspectors may interview workers and review records during inspections.

Citations and Penalties

• OSHA issues citations based on inspection results.
• Categories of violations include:
  • Serious
  • Willful
  • Repeated
  • Other than serious
  • De minimis (least serious)
• Workers can contest the timeline for correcting violations, but not the citations themselves.

Filing Complaints

• Workers can file complaints online, via fax, or in person at local OSHA offices.
• Important to provide detailed descriptions of hazards and prior notifications to employers.
• Complaints can be filed confidentially.

Resources for Safety Information

• Safety data sheets (SDS) available at workplaces.
• OSHA website (www.osha.gov) and local libraries offer additional resources.
• Safety orientation manuals and training materials provide critical safety information.

Conclusion

• OSHA focuses on saving lives and preventing injuries.
• Employers are responsible for establishing safe workplaces.
• Workers should understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Participation in OSHA processes and utilizing available resources are key to ensuring workplace safety.