What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency in the United States committed to safeguarding worker health and safety.
Congress established OSHA in 1971, following its enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This groundbreaking legislation came in response to the growing concerns over workplace accidents that resulted in an alarming 14,000 worker deaths and 2.5 million disabled workers annually in the two years previous to the bill’s passing.
Since its inception, OSHA has been a key player in transforming the landscape of worker safety across the nation. The agency’s firm enforcement of workplace laws and standards, coupled with its commitment to providing training, outreach, education and assistance, have significantly contributed to making workplaces safer.
OSHA has been successful in slashing the work fatality rate by more than half and has achieved considerable reductions in overall injury and illness rates in industries where it has focused its attention, such as textiles and excavation.
OSHA standards and enforcement.
OSHA sets and enforces standards and requirements that employers must adhere to. These standards are developed based on rigorous workplace research and feedback from a diverse array of stakeholders, including technical experts, employers, unions and other relevant parties.
To comply with OSHA requirements, employers must take a number of specific actions. Those include inspecting the workplace for potential hazards, eliminating or minimizing hazards, keeping records of workplace injuries and illness, training employees to recognize safety and health hazards, and educating employees on precautions to prevent accidents.
OSHA also requires employees to follow rules, such as complying with all applicable OSHA standards, following OSHA safety regulations, wearing required protective equipment, reporting hazardous conditions, and reporting job-related injuries and illnesses.
To aid employers in meeting these standards, OSHA provides a wide range of resources, including training programs and educational tools.
Employee rights and OSHA programs.
OSHA also serves as a strong advocate for employee rights. Under OSHA regulations, employees have the right to access copies of OSHA regulations and request information about workplace hazards, precautions and procedures.
They can request OSHA inspections if they believe hazardous conditions or violations exist in their workplace. Moreover, federal laws and OSHA protect workers who complain or whistleblowers who report possible violations to their employers, OSHA or other agencies from retaliation.
To support its mission, OSHA runs various programs like the Alliance Program, which enables employers, labor unions, trade or professional groups, government agencies and educational institutions to collaborate with OSHA to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program provides incentives and support to employers for the development and implementation of workplace safety and health programs.
Increases Employee Productivity.
According to a study conducted by the University of Warwick, employee happiness led to a 12% spike in productivity. One essential way to build happiness among your employee base is to provide them with a healthy working environment. Feeling unsafe or not cared for is a simple way to lower productivity. Benefits of productivity for employees include:
- Impressing your customers.
- Providing superior service and boosting loyalty.
- Building a strong culture among your employees.
- Boosting morale among staff you’ve invested time and money with.
- Providing better incentives to your employees as the company does better
- Spending less money on employee training and recruitment..
- Keep your reputation.
Increases Your Overall Profitability.
Looking to improve the way your business runs? When you follow OSHA standards, your employees can work without incident. A safe workplace shows that you care, boosts productivity, and even keeps morale high. When employees are happy, they are productive, and therefore profitable.
In the study conducted by the University of Warwick, a researcher Dr. Sgroi stated, “The driving force seems to be that happier workers use the time they have more effectively, increasing the pace at which they can work without sacrificing quality.” A happy employee doesn’t count the minutes until his or her shift is over, but instead actively participates in the workplace.
Whether it is a highly technical skill like working as a trauma nurse or serving meals in a restaurant, productivity gives your business a better reputation and increases profits. Profitability increases when you care about profitability.
Protects from Lawsuits or Legal Ramifications.
OSHA sends inspectors to business locations for standards compliance and assessments. When your company passes inspections, documentation is provided. Personal injury lawsuits filed by workers are more difficult to defend if a recent inspection is on file. Instead of relying on a form of private enforcement and regulation through lawsuit filing, inspectors protect your business from lawsuits.
Even if lawsuits aren’t your biggest concern, accidents on the job also can cost you a great deal of money from the medical side of things. Keep everyone safe with OSHA.