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Define Environmental Safety

Environmental safety has become a high priority issue within the United States and among other countries around the world. Ensuring the safety of an environment is key to productivity and function in a work or research setting.

  1. Definition

    • Environmental safety is the practice of policies and procedures that ensure that a surrounding environment, including work areas, laboratories or facilities, is free of dangers that could cause harm to a person working in those areas. A safe place to work is the key element of environmental safety.

    History

    • The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was created in order to "ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women." This is done by "setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance." OSHA provides workers with a higher environmental safety standard.

    Considerations

    • OSHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor and affects federal businesses or companies. OSHA applies to all employees and employers either directly through the federal OSHA requirements, or through a state program. A state program that is approved by OSHA, meets or exceeds the OSHA standards for safety of a work environment.

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