Definition of Industrial Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires employers to provide jobsites free of known or obvious dangers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets regulations and provides employers with information and training to create safe workplaces.

Identification

• OSHA requires employers to comply with the act's "general duty clause." Under the general duty clause, employers must keep their businesses free of known dangers. Workers may request a safety investigation from OSHA if employers are not following the federal standards. OSHA can issue fines and cite employers for failing to follow regulations.

Features

• Employers have a duty to eliminate safety hazards with required mitigation procedures if employees are exposed to hazardous equipment or the nature of the employees' jobs require working in dangerous situations.

Prevention/Solution

• Dangerous workplace conditions kill over 50,000 workers annually. OSHA covers most private employees except for those working in family businesses and those working as independent contractors. Employers must maintain tools and protective equipment for employees working with dangerous chemicals and equipment. Furthermore, employees must have proper training to work in these conditions. If OSHA cites an employer for unsafe conditions, the employer must correct the unsafe condition within the time period OSHA provides.