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What Is an OSHA Handbook?

The OSHA handbook is a guide to the rules and regulations that were passed in 1970 as the Occupation Safety and Health Act. The OSHA handbook is designed to help small businesses comply with and understand these legally required workplace safety and health rules.

  1. History

    • OSHA was created by Congress and signed by President Richard M. Nixon on Dec. 29, 1970 with the intent to reduce hazardous conditions in the workplace and raise safety standards.

    Function

    • The OSHA handbook outlines not only the legal requirements that businesses must comply with to pass OSHA inspections but gives advice on how to do so, and includes sample workplace rules that are recommended for use by employers.

    Effects

    • According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workplace injuries have declined by 46 percent and occupational deaths have dropped by 62 percent since OSHA was established.

    Significance

    • All businesses in the United States are subject to inspection by OSHA. Failure to comply with occupational safety standards can result in fines up to $70,000.

    Identification

    • The OSHA handbook is a 75-page, three-ring binder that is provided at cost to small businesses by OSHA. A PDF is available free online at osha.gov. To request a printed copy, write to:

      U.S. Government
      Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents,
      Washington, DC 20402

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