Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Abstract Over the years, many states as well as the Federal government have attempted to enact legislation to protect employee physical well-being on the job without much success. State laws governed factory inspections, machine guarding and provided limited provisions for health hazards, but many hazards were left uncontrolled. (MacLaury 1981). The end of a tedious political battle to enact government regulation of workplace hazards was marked by the signing into law the Occupational Safety and Health …

…million sites. This increase could be mainly attributed to OSHA's three focus strategies: a strong, fair, and effective enforcement; outreach, education, and compliance assistance; and partnerships and voluntary programs. (Bennett-Alexander, Hartman 2003 p. 693) With new hazards entering the workplace everyday, employers must be vigorous in their recognition and control of workplace hazards. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of employers to be aware of workplace hazards and ensure that all employees' safety and well-being are equally protected.