Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a US public agency. As part of the Department of Labor, OSHA is responsible for issuing and enforcing occupational safety and health standards. Since OSHA’s establishment in 1970, the number of workers who have suffered an accident, contracted a disease, or even died at work in the United States has decreased by more than 65%, although the employment has almost doubled (OSHA 2018). Undoubtedly, OSHA has significantly contributed to the reduction of work-related injury, illness, and deaths in the United States, by performing different types of activities. OSHA prepares and issues standards to help employers prevent hazards in the workplace. It also conducts on-site inspections to verify compliance with such standards and issues penalties for those who breach the imposed rules. In addition, OSHA promotes cooperative programs through which it increases employer and employee awareness and understanding of occupational hazards, so that they can improve how they manage such risks. OSHA systematically interacts with employers, workers, business associations, unions, safety and health professionals, and public organizations, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.