Occupational Health & Environmental Safety

Occupational health and environmental safety is extremely important to employers because of the extensive regulations and potential liability for non-compliance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) set federal regulations; in addition, each state has its own regulatory agencies.

Enabling Legislation

• The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created both NIOSH and OSHA. NIOSH focuses on research, information, education and training in occupational safety and health. OSHA focuses on the development and enforcement of workplace safety and health regulations.

Hazard Assessment

• It is the employer's responsibility to determine if there are any hazards or potential hazards that exist in the work place. This is done by conducting a complete survey of the work facilities both inside and outside.

Risk Assessment

• Occupational health and environmental safety risk assessments are required by law. The risks must be quantified as to the probability of harm being realized and as to the severity of the consequences. Once controls are in place, the hazard risk must be recalculated to determine if it has been lowered as much as reasonably possible.

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)

• The AIHA is an international association serving occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. It provides comprehensive educational programs for safety professionals and also administers several prestigious laboratory accreditation programs.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

• ANSI is involved in the creation and use of thousands of standards and guidelines. By promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, ANSI helps assure the safety and health of consumers and the protection of the environment.