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Employer Responsibilities Under OSHA

Created in 1970 by the U.S. Congress, the Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) provides uniform standards for employers to keep workplace environments safe and free of hazardous conditions for employees. OSHA standards apply to most employers and employees in the 50 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The potential for employees to incur serious accidents on the job remains a pressing concern not only for employers but for the family members of injured workers. In 2008, 5,214 workers died in job-related duties, according to the OSHA website. Employers have a special responsibility to ensure the safety for the entire workplace. As David Michaels, OSHA assistant secretary states, "Every day in this country, more than 14 workers lose their lives in preventable workplace tragedies."

  1. Maintain Safe Environment

    • Under OSHA rules, employees must strive to maintain safe workplace conditions for employees. This includes following the regulations mandated under the OSH Act, such as posting codes, OSHA posters (detailing employee rights and responsibilities) or labels which caution employees to potential hazards (e.g. toxic chemicals, combustibles). In addition, employers must provide employees, without cost, equipment that protects against hazardous conditions or duties. Employers are also required to report accidents or fatalities within 8 hours of occurrence to the closest OSHA office.

    Compliance with Record Keeping

    • In addition to creating a safe environment for employees, employers must maintain and provide access to applicable medical records which document previous exposures to toxic elements experienced by workers. Although some industries may be exempt from this standard (e.g. retail, finance) business owners who employ at least 10 workers must also keep records of all OSHA job-related injuries which occur on the job. If violations have been identified during an inspection and citations issued for safety violations, employers must keep citations posted until corrective action has been taken to resolve the hazardous condition (usually within three days of the occurrence).

    Training and Education

    • Employers should provide training in OSHA standards and overall general education on avoiding unnecessary hazards in the workplace. Accordingly, employers should make sure all employees are kept up to date on OSHA rules and regulations. In addition, employees have the responsibility of training employees on spotting and avoiding potential hazards presented by manufactured products used in the workplace.

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