What is the occupational safety and health act (OSHA)?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is a federal law passed in 1970 that requires employers to provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment. It is enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. In California, OSHA is responsible for setting and enforcing occupational safety and health standards for a variety of worksites, including private businesses, state and local government agencies, and even construction sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Act is designed to protect workers from hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices. It does this by setting specific safety standards for employers to follow. These standards include requirements for the use of personal protective equipment, proper ventilation, ladder safety, machine guarding, and more. If an employer is found to be in violation of any of these requirements, they may be penalized or even have their business shut down. Additionally, OSHA also has the authority to conduct inspections of worksites and issue citations when laws or regulations are not being followed. It offers free assistance to employers, including safety training and tips to help ensure a safe work environment. OSHA also maintains a website with educational materials and resources, such as fact sheets, posters, and sample policies, to help employers and employees better understand their rights and responsibilities on the job.
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