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The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

explanatory Essay
1879 words
1879 words
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The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), often referred to as the "OSH Act," was enacted in 1970 by President Richard M. Nixon. Its purpose is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for men and women (EPA, 2006). The Act is administered and enforced at the national level by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a division of the US Department of Labor. The application of the OSH Act in the current employment climate will be discussed as it applies to a variety of industries; considerations that are most applicable to the specific type of industry will be discussed initially, and those that are equally important regardless of the type of business will complete the section. Finally, this paper will discuss how the OSH act evolved from organized labor activities to federal law and its widespread national application.

OSHA guidelines affect all companies engaged in the employment of individuals to perform work. One might assume that strictly administrative or "office work" environments are not significantly affected by OSHA regulations, but the contrary is true. Corporate offices must ensure that building standards meet code limitations; condemned buildings are typically not sanctioned as appropriate locations in which to conduct business. Additionally, if the building in which a company operates is more than 20 years old, it must ensure that no harmful asbestos exists anywhere within the structure. It is the business owners' responsibility to ensure that inspections for the presence of asbestos are performed, and it is the company's responsibility to have it removed (OSHA)

Other factors such enterprises must address involve fall prevention. For example, electrical cords must be secured and floors must b...

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...ulations, compliance directives, Federal Register notices and many additional materials as well as links to other safety and health re-sources. OSHA's interactive expert advisor software, which offers tailor-made guidance for employers in complying with safety and health standards, was also made available via the web.

References

http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/osha35yearmilestones.html

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/osha/oshaenfstatreq.html

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_level=1&p_part_number=1910

http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/home/healthtopics/pdf/triggers.pdf#search=%22lighting%20migraine%22

http://www.mckesson.com/en_us/McKesson.com/Our+Businesses/McKesson+Provider+Technologies/Newsroom/McKesson+Spotlights+National+Patient+Safety+Awareness+Week.html

http://www.csb.gov/index.cfm?folder=news_releases&page=news&NEWS_ID=264

In this essay, the author

  • Explains that hospitals and veterinary clinics must observe a wider variety of regulations under osha than office-type work environments.
  • Explains that hospitals, veterinary clinics, and pharmacies face a unique set of risks introduced by the dispensing and distribution of drugs.
  • Explains the role of the occupational safety and health administration (osha) within the labor department to set and enforce workplace safety and health standards.
  • Explains that the national institute for occupational safety and health (niosh) conducted research on occupational safety and health.
  • Explains that the occupational safety and health act (osh) was enacted in 1970 by president richard m. nixon.
  • Explains osha's high-profile guidelines that affect all industries, including back injury prevention, fire prevention and procedures, and hazardous materials handling.
  • Describes the occupational safety and health review commission (oshrc) as an independent agency to adjudicate enforcement actions challenged by employers.
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