OSHA

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a United States federal agency within the Department of Labor. It was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, enacted to reduce workplace hazards and ensure safe and healthful working conditions for employees.

OSHA sets and enforces standards, conducts inspections, and provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and workers. Its jurisdiction covers most private sector employers and their employees, with state plans administering OSHA-style programs in certain states for public and private sector workplaces under federal oversight. The agency also issues guidance and publishes compliance materials to help workplaces prevent injuries and illnesses.

Key elements of OSHA’s work include developing and updating safety and health standards, inspecting workplaces for compliance, investigating incidents, and offering compliance assistance. Penalties and citations may be issued for violations, with higher penalties for willful or repeated noncompliance. Disputes over citations can be heard by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC). The General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, even when no specific standard applies.

Worker rights and protections are central to OSHA’s mission. Employees may request inspections, participate in inspections, and report hazards without retaliation, and they may seek remedies through respective channels, including whistleblower protections. OSHA also collaborates with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for research and recommendations, and maintains programs to promote safety excellence, such as voluntary protection programs.