Final answer:
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 obligates employers to maintain a safe workplace, inform and train employees on hazards, provide safety equipment, and keep records of injuries and illnesses. They must eliminate recognized hazards and are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file safety complaints.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970 requires employers to ensure a safe and healthful workplace by following specific health and safety regulations. For instance, employers must:
- Keep the worksite free from recognized hazards,
- Inform and train employees about chemical hazards,
- Keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses,
- Provide necessary personal protective equipment at no cost,
- Conduct workplace tests as required, like air sampling,
- Display OSHA citations and safety posters,
- Notify OSHA of severe incidents such as fatalities or hospitalizations.
Furthermore, the OSH Act requires employers to adopt measures that actively reduce or eliminate workplace hazards, prioritizing changes in working conditions over the use of personal protective equipment. Employers are also bound by the General Duty Clause to maintain a workplace devoid of serious recognized hazards, even if no specific OSHA standard applies to a particular hazard situation.
If employees believe there is a serious hazard or their employer is not following the safety standards, they can file a complaint with OSHA for an inspection. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for exercising their rights under the OSH Act, including filing safety complaints.