Final answer:
If a hazard is not covered by a specific OSHA standard, the general duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act is used to ensure employer responsibility in maintaining a safe working environment, based on the most applicable existing standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a hazard occurs that is not addressed specifically by an OSHA standard, the general duty clause takes effect. This clause is section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which states that each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. This means that even if there is no specific OSHA standard addressing the hazard, employers are still required to provide a safe working environment. Employers should use the guidelines from the most applicable existing standard as a baseline for compliance. It's important to note that OSHA does not write new standards immediately due to new hazards; the process for creating new standards involves research, analysis, and a period of public comment, which can take several years.