OSHA Overview
Learn to define the purpose and objectives of OSHA.
What you'll learn
- Define the purpose of OSHA.
- Describe the primary objectives of OSHA.
- Describe the role of OSHA within an organization.
- Describe some of the safety and health standards.
- List some objectives of training programs.
- Describe the components of a site inspection.
- List penalties for violations.
- Describe workers' rights and obligations.
On December 29, 1970, Congress enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act to regulate safety and health conditions for working men and women. This act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and provided the tools necessary to reduce workplace injury and illness. It is a nationwide, federal program designed to protect our workforce from death, injury and illness on the job. It also provides the means for states to develop their own plans to cover private sector work places. (1) Secretary of Labor James Hodgson called this act “the most significant legislative achievement for workers in a decade.” (2) OSHA's purpose and task were to develop a program to carry out the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Compliance with OSHA requirements is an organization’s most effective tool to meet safety and health standards in the workplace.
