Occupational Safety Administration & Hazards
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is a United States government agency responsible for workplace health and safety for all Americans. OSHA was established in 1970 to create industry standards and enforce safety requirements for all occupations. Application of direct federal involvement varies across business sector and according to adopted state legislation. Hazard prevention, reporting, whistle-blower protection and disciplinary action are all regulated in one way or the other, however, by OSHA hazard guidelines.
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Hazard Types
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OSHA provides both required and recommended standards for a categorized list of potential workplace hazards. These include all levels of risk from use of chemicals, electrical exposure, ergonomics, industrial environmental conditions, machine use, mechanical failure, noise, radiation, falling objects, extreme temperatures, limited visibility and weather conditions.
Hazard Controls
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Three prioritized levels of risk management have been established by OSHA for control of hazards in the workplace. Engineering controls guide design of work areas and equipment with safety as the objective, including removal of the hazard, isolation of the hazard by enforced barrier, exhaust systems, and heavy equipment cabs and other enclosures. Administrative controls are defined as written guidelines, time limitations, supervised monitoring, alarms and signs, buddy systems, and training. The final control level is protective clothing for use when engineering and administrative protections are not sufficient or feasible to reduce or eliminate the risk.
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Hazard Analysis
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OSHA provides a very simple format for evaluating workplace hazard conditions and creating a plan for improvement or elimination of health risks. Employers, foremen and supervisors can conduct an analysis themselves, or in the case of highly technical or mechanically complex job sites, invite a professional evaluator to conduct the review.
Employer Responsiblity
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The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 placed direct responsibility for worker safety on the employer. In the best conditions, employers will rely on employee reports of possible dangers, based on daily experiences. In the case that an employer is negligent in responding to employee observations, however, OSHA can be contacted with whistle-blower protection by concerned workers through regional offices nationwide.
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