OSHA: Overview

Introduction to OSHA

• OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Agency of the U.S. Department of Labor
• Created by Congress under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
• Mission: Protect workers' safety and health

Purpose of OSHA

• Created to establish national laws protecting employees from safety and health hazards
• Legal responsibility for employers to ensure a safe workplace
• Covers various fields: manufacturing, construction, agriculture, medicine, etc.

Mission of OSHA

• Save lives, prevent injuries, and protect health of workers
• Key activities:
  • Developing job safety standards
  • Enforcing regulations through inspections
  • Maintaining reporting systems for job-related injuries and illnesses
  • Providing training programs on occupational safety

Employees' Rights Under OSHA

• Right to:
  • A safe and healthy workplace
  • Information about workplace injuries and illnesses
  • Complain about hazards without retaliation
  • Know about hazardous chemicals
  • Receive training on safety and health hazards
  • File complaints with OSHA
  • Participate in OSHA inspections

Specific Rights

• Right to a Safe Workplace:

  • Hazards must be eliminated or protected against

• Right to Know About Chemicals:

  • Employers must have a hazard communication program
  • Include labeling, safety data sheets, and training

• Record-Keeping Requirements:

  • Employers must log work-related injuries/illnesses
  • Report any fatal accidents within 8 hours
  • Report serious incidents within 24 hours

• Protection from Retaliation:

  • Employees can discuss safety concerns without fear of discrimination

Employer Responsibilities

• Familiarity with OSHA standards
• Compliance with the General Duty Clause:
  • Furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards

Safety Measures

• Administrative Controls:

  • Implement safety policies and procedures

• Engineering Controls:

  • Physical modifications to eliminate or reduce hazards

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Employers must provide PPE when necessary
  • Must have a PPE program for training and compliance

Record Keeping

• Injury and illness records are crucial for OSHA to identify hazards
• Employers must maintain an injury reporting system

OSHA Inspections

• OSHA conducts inspections based on priorities such as imminent danger

• Four stages of inspection:

  1. Presenting credentials
  2. Opening conference
  3. Walk-around inspection
  4. Closing conference

• Inspectors check for violations, interview workers, and review records

Types of Violations and Citations

• Categories of violations:
  • Repeated, willful, serious, other than serious, de minimis
• Employers and employees can contest citations and penalties

Filing Complaints

• Employees can file complaints about unsafe conditions
• Options include online forms, phone calls, and local offices
• Important to be specific and detail-oriented when filing a complaint

Resources for Safety Information

• Workplace resources: labels, safety data sheets, manuals
• External resources: OSHA website, healthcare professionals, local libraries

Conclusion

• OSHA's role is vital for worker safety
• Know your rights and responsibilities under OSHA
• Engage in safety practices and utilize available resources
• Remember: Safety is a collective effort involving both employers and employees.