OSHAs

OSHAs, or Occupational Safety and Health Administrations, are government bodies tasked with protecting workers from job-related injuries and illnesses. The most well-known is the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Similar agencies exist in other countries and in U.S. states that operate their own OSHA-approved plans.

Key functions include developing and enforcing safety and health standards, conducting inspections, investigating complaints and accidents, issuing citations and penalties, and providing compliance assistance, training, and outreach. OSHA administers the general duty clause, which requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and to follow applicable standards. In addition to standards, these administrations publish guidance, run voluntary programs, and maintain injury and illness data.

Standards cover a wide range of topics such as construction safety, hazardous communication, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, electrical safety, and fall protection. Enforcement is carried out through planned inspections, complaint-driven visits, follow-up inspections, and investigations of fatalities or severe injuries. Penalties vary by severity, employer size, and history of violations.

In the United States, OSHA is part of the Department of Labor. Most states operate OSHA-approved State Plans, while others rely on federal enforcement. Similar structures exist in other jurisdictions, where agencies with comparable mandates regulate workplaces to reduce hazards. OSHAs also offer programs to assist employers, such as on-site consultation and training, and require employers to report injuries and illnesses.