What Does OSHA Govern?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a division within the U.S. Department of Labor, was established in 1970. OSHA works to help American employers and employees reduce injuries, illnesses and deaths on the job by establishing rules and standards for the workplace.
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Coverage
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Most employees in the nation come under OSHA's jurisdiction. Private sector employers in every state and some jurisdictions must comply with OSHA requirements. Some public sector employers in states with an OSHA-approved plan must comply as well. The self-employed are not covered, and worker safety situations regulated by other federal agencies are not covered under OSHA.
Standards
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OSHA has developed specific standards for construction work, maritime operations and "general industry," a designation that applies to most worksites. Safety risks and hazards vary by industry, and these standards attempt to minimize industry-specific and job-specific hazards and risks. Requirements address, among other things, limiting worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, requiring certain safe practices and equipment, employer monitoring of hazards, and recordkeeping and reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses.
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Responsibilities
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Employers must provide their employees with a workplace that does not have serious hazards, follow OSHA safety and health standards, find and correct safety and health problems, educate employees regarding safety risk, maintain records, submit reports, perform tests and not discriminate or retaliate against whistleblowers.
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