Final answer:
OSHA was necessary because workplace injuries and deaths were rising and no comprehensive law existed to protect workers. It established uniform safety standards and enforcement protocols to protect workers across different industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were inconsistent regulations across different industries and states, leading to a range of workplace environments where safety was not adequately ensured. The introduction of OSHA was a critical step in providing a standardized approach to workplace safety. OSHA is vested with the authority to enforce safety measures and provide protections to workers from a broad spectrum of hazards.
Matters such as requiring employers to provide fall protection, prevent trenching cave-ins, ensure the safety of workers entering confined spaces, and prevent exposure to infectious diseases and harmful chemicals are covered under OSHA standards. Additionally, through comprehensive training requirements and the General Duty Clause, OSHA mandates that employers maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards even where no specific standard is in place.
OSHA's role is not only to implement safety standards but also to enforce them through inspections and penalties. The creation of OSHA has thus been a cornerstone for upholding workers' health and safety across various industries in the United States.