The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970. It was created to provide American workers with the right to a safe workplace. The act helps prevent workers from dying or becoming seriously injured on the job by ensuring that employers provide working conditions that meet industry safety standards. The act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known OSHA, which creates and enforces workplace safety standards.
What Is OSHA?
OSHA covers workers in the private sector, state workers, local government workers, and federal government workers. It does not cover those who are self-employed, immediate family members of farmers who do not employ outside workers, or workplace hazards that are regulated by a different federal agency, such as the Federal Aviation Administration.
OSHA gives American workers the following:
- The right to safe working conditions
- OSHA workplace inspections
- Information and training about workplace hazards and ways to prevent harm
- Copies of tests conducted to discover workplace hazards
- The ability to see records of work-related injuries
How Does OSHA Protect Workers?
OSHA has created standards for construction work, agricultural work, maritime work, and general industry. General industry guidelines apply to most industries. OSHA standards limit hazardous chemical exposure at the workplace, require on site hazards to be monitored, require records of workplace injuries & illnesses, and require safe practices at the worksite.
What Happens if a Major Injury Occurs at Work?
OSHA standards require employers to report work-related fatalities within 8 hours. If an employee is hospitalized, receives an amputation, or loses an eye due to a work injury, it must be reported within 24 hours.
Workplace incidents can be reported by calling OSHA at 1-800-321-6742, calling the nearest area OSHA office, or filling out the online form. For more information on OSHA requirements, visit www.OSHA.gov.
If you or a loved one has been injured in work related incident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
