Under the OSH Act, OSHA was
created within the Department of Labor to:
- Encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and to implement new or
improve existing safety and health programs
- Provide for research to develop innovative ways of dealing with occupational safety and
health problems
- Establish "separate but dependent responsibilities and rights" for employers
and employees for the achievement of better safety and health conditions
- Maintain a reporting and recordkeeping system to monitor job-related injuries and
illnesses
- Establish training programs to increase the number and competence of occupational safety
and health personnel
- Develop mandatory job safety and health standards and enforce them effectively
- Provide for the development, analysis, evaluation and approval of state occupational
safety and health programs.
While OSHA continually reviews and redefines specific
standards and practices, its basic purposes remain constant. OSHA strives to implement its
mandate fully and firmly with fairness to all concerned. In all its procedures, from
standards development through implementation and enforcement, OSHA guarantees employers
and employees the right to be fully informed, to participate actively and to appeal
actions. |
