What is the Occupational Safety and Health Act?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) is a federal law enacted in 1970 that protects workers from health and safety hazards in the workplace. The OSH Act requires employers to provide safe and healthy working conditions for all employees in the United States. It sets standards for workplace safety, such as ventilation and emergency exits, and requires employers to provide safety training. In South Carolina, the OSH Act is enforced by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (SCOSHA). The OSH Act is designed to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by creating and enforcing standards for a number of different workplace safety regulations. These safety regulations include requirements for employers to provide protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety goggles, or respirators, depending on the industry. It also requires employers to train their employees on safety regulations, inspect their job sites, and record any workplace injuries or illnesses in a log book. The OSH Act also outlines the rights of workers to receive a safe and healthy working environment. In South Carolina, workers can report any unsafe working conditions and have the right to file a complaint with the SCOSHA. The agency will investigate the complaint and determine if any safety regulations have been violated. If violations are found, the employer may be required to correct the issue and pay any fines or penalties that are assessed.

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