Question

When OSHA was enacted in 1970, it was heralded as the most important new source of protection for the U.S. worker in the second half of the twentieth century. From the information in this chapter, what is your opinion about the effectiveness or the ineffectiveness of the act?

Answer 1

OSHA, established in 1970 to assure safe working conditions, has successfully reduced workplace fatalities and injuries, marking its effectiveness in improving workplace safety, despite facing some regulatory challenges along the way.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was enacted in 1970, it was considered a major advancement in the protection of American workers during the twentieth century. OSHA's mission, as stated, is to "assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance." OSHA has had to navigate various challenges, including changes in political landscapes that sometimes led to the repeal of standards, such as the ergonomics standard in 2001. Moreover, OSHA carries the authority to promulgate standards that direct employers on how to protect their employees, albeit through an extensive process involving public engagement.

Despite its challenges, OSHA has been a key player in significantly reducing workplace fatalities and injuries. Given the substantial reductions in workplace injuries and the continual improvement in workplace safety, it is reasonable to consider OSHA as an effective act, while recognizing the ongoing need for adapting to contemporary workplace hazards and the complex environment of regulatory reform and enforcement.