Final answer:
OSHA is a federal agency dedicated to ensuring workplace safety by setting and enforcing health and safety standards. It was established in 1970 and aims to protect workers from various workplace hazards, requiring employers to provide a safe working environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a vital federal agency within the United States Department of Labor that was established by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon on December 29, 1970, OSHA's mission is to ensure that all American workplaces are safe and healthy for workers. It fulfills this mission by setting and enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, education, and assistance, as well as ensuring employers comply with health and safety regulations such as proper chemical exposure limits, use of personal protective equipment, and prevention of workplace hazards like falls or injuries from equipment operation.
One key aspect of OSHA's role is to protect workers from physical harm in the workplace, thus creating a safer work environment. It is important to note that employers are legally required to inform their workers about potential hazards and ensure that feasible measures are taken to provide a safe work atmosphere. OSHA is also equipped with the authority to issue regulations and standards promptly after engaging with the public and holding comment periods, making sure there's transparency and involvement in the rulemaking process.
An interesting fact is that in its first year, OSHA was allowed to adopt existing health and safety guidelines from certain standard organizations, streamlining the initial phase of implementing crucial workplace safety standards. Over time, the regulation process has become more rigorous, often requiring comprehensive public participation and a substantial demonstration of risk to workers for a standard to be established.