Why We Need OSHA

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was formed by the federal government in 1970 under the Occupation Safety and Health Act, signed by Richard Nixon. OSHA was founded to ensure the safety of workers across the country in all lines of work. OSHA enforces regulations and safety standards so every environment is subject to the same rules.

OSHA covers most all private sector workplaces. States can form their own branches of OSHA as long as they follow the federal guidelines.

OSHA initially confused the public and stressed out business owners with their inspections and regulations. Businesses and facilities eventually became accustomed to OSHA and its policies. Now OSHA inspections are commonplace for all places of employment, especially construction sites and facilities with toxic chemicals and manual laborers.

OSHA will cite companies for safety violations and fine them. This is the only way to ensure that companies can be focused on workplace safety. Since its inception, OSHA has prevented countless workplace injuries and deaths. It creates a standard for safety that all employers must follow.

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.