Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA), written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)?

A law that requires a workplace to be safe and defines what standards the workplace must meet.

History and Meaning of Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is a federal law created in 1970 to ensure the safety and health of workers in the United States. The Act requires employers to provide their employees with workplaces that are free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Additionally, the Act sets standards and guidelines for workplace safety and health practices.

OSHA was created in response to the growing number of workplace injuries and deaths in the manufacturing sector during the mid-20th century. Since its creation, OSHA has helped improve workplace safety and health conditions by requiring employers to take steps to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards.

Examples of Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)

  1. An employer provides personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and hard hats to employees to ensure their safety while on the job.
  2. An employer conducts regular safety training sessions for their employees to educate them on how to identify and prevent workplace hazards.
  3. An employer is fined for failing to comply with OSHA standards regarding the use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Legal Terms Related to Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)

  1. Workers' Compensation - A system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
  2. Hazard Communication Standard - A regulation requiring employers to provide information to employees about the hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to in the workplace.
  3. Americans with Disabilities Act - A federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.