Final answer:
The first legislation requiring certain prevention programs for workers was the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Signed into law in 1970, it established standards and created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to safeguard working conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first legislation that specifically required certain prevention programs for workers is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). This act was established to assure safe and healthful working conditions for men and women in the workforce.
It set and enforced standards, along with providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, created under this act, protects workers from physical harm in the workplace through various safety standards.
These standards were designed to protect workers from a broad range of hazards and include requirements such as fall protection, preventing exposure to harmful chemicals, and ensuring machine safety. Moreover, OSHA's authority came with an extended process that includes public engagement and comment, especially before issuing new standards to protect workers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon on December 29, 1970, and it created OSHA. Its standards have been critical in reducing workplace injuries and ensuring a minimum level of safety for workers across various industries. Compliance with these regulations is not optional for employers; they are mandatory directives that must be followed to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.