What is the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970, and how does it apply to my business?
The OSH Act assigns two principal functions to OSHA: setting standards and conducting workplace inspections to ensure that employers are providing a safe and healthy workplace. It is the responsibility of employers to become familiar with standards applicable to their establishments, to eliminate hazardous conditions to the extent possible, and to comply with the standards. Compliance may include ensuring that employees have and use personal protective equipment when required for safety or health. Employees must comply with all rules and regulations that are applicable to their own actions and conduct. In general, coverage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 Act extends to all employers and their employees in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all other territories under federal government jurisdiction. Coverage is provided either directly by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or through an OSHA-approved state occupatio