ARCHIVED REPORTS_2002 - JTD - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 provides job safety and health protection for workers by promoting safe and healthful working conditions throughout the Nation. Requirements of the Act Include the following: e e ' All employers must furnish to employees employment and a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious harm to employees Employers must comply with occupatiorhal safety and health standards issued under the Ad • s Employees must comply with all occupational safety and health standards. rules, regulations and orders issued under the Act that apply to their own actions and conduit on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of labor has the primary responsibility for administering the Act OSHA issues occupational safety and health standards, and its Compliance Safety and Health Officers conduct jobsite inspections to help ensure compliance with the Act. The Act requires that a representative of the employer and a representative authorized by the employees be given an Opportunity to accompany the OSHA inspector for the purpose of aiding the inspection. Where there is no authorized employee representative, the OSHA Compliance Officer must consult with a reasonable number of employees concemSing safety and health conditions in the workplace. s e Employees or their representatives have the right to rile a complaint with the nearest OSHA office requesting an inspection it I* believe unsale of unhealthful conditions exist in their workplace. OSHA will withhold, on request. names of employees complaining. The Ad provides that employees may not be discharged or discriminated against in any way for filing safety and health complaints Or for otherwise exercising their rights under the Ad Employees who believe they have been discriminated against may rile a complaint with their nearest OSHA office within 30 days of the alleged discrimination. e ff upon inspection OSHA believes an employer has violated the Act, a citation alleging such violations will be issued to the employer. Each citation will specify a time period within which the alleged violation must be corrected The OSHA citation must be pmxminendy displayed at or near the place of alleged violation for three days, or until it is corrected, whichever is late'. to wam employees of dangers that may exist there. e e • e The Act provides for mandatory penalties against employers of up to $1,000 for each serious violation and for optional penalties of up to $1,000 for each nonserious violation. Penalties of up to $1,000 per day may be proposed for failure to correct violations within the proposed time period. Also. any employer who willfully, or repeatedly violates the Act may be assessed penalties of. up to $10,000 for each such violation. Criminal penalties are also provided for in the Act Any willful violation resulting in death of an employee, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by bods. Conviction of an employer aIle a first conviction doubles these maximum penalties e � While providing penalties for violations the Act also encourages efforts by labor and management before an OSHA inspection, to reduce workplace hazards voluntarily and to develop and improve safety and health programs in all workplaces and industries. OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs recognize outstanding efforts of this nature. Such voluntary action should initially focus on the identification and elimination of hazards that could cause death, injury, or illness to employees and supervisors There are many public and private organizations that can provide information and assistance in this effort if requested. Also. you Taal OSHA office an provide considerable help and advice on solving safety -and health problems or an refer you -to other sources for help such as training. • e Free consultative assistance, without citation or penalty, is available to employers, on request. through OSHA supported programs in most State departments of labor or health. More Information Washington, O.C. Additional information and Atlanta. Georgia Telephone numbers for these 1985 a% copies of the AU, specific Boston. Massachusetts offices, and additional area OSHA 2203 (,SQ OSHA safety and health Chicago. Illinois office locations, are listed in standards, and other Dallas. Texas the telephone directory under C%��1.�" G2 'o �''�, �•: applicable regulations may be Denver. Colorado the United States Department obtained from your employer Kansas City. Missouri of tabor in the United States or from the nearest OSHA New York New York Govenunent listing. William E Brock Secretary of labor Regional office in the Philadelphia. Pennsylvania D.S. Department of Labor following locations: San Francisco, California Seattle, Washington occupational Safety and Health Adrrf nistration Undw prCmafona of Tttfe 29. code of f=ed.tae Reputvd*n4 Part mu"Po<t thea Ctrs tot a fatalmita) In . n'.r.... . —it .a ..., —