Question

Activity Select one of the US labor lawActivity Use this Business Etiquette reading to self-assess your level of business etiquette. Write down a response summarizing how strong your business etiquette knowledge and behaviors are and how can you improve upon your business etiquette.s and research it in more depth. Write a one-page essay on the law, its history, and its coverage. Provide statistics to show the relevance of the act. Provide examples of incidents where people did not follow the law and explain what happened due to their actions. You can use one of the labor laws you learned about in the lesson, or you can perform online research and find a different law.

Answer 1

Labor laws in the United States apply to employers, job seekers, employees, contractors, and retirees. The Department of Labor administers more than 180 federal laws. I have chosen to write about the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This law has been in force since 1970.

Although Congress passed the act in 1970 (when Richard Nixon was the president), concerns about the safety and health of workers and unhealthy working conditions surfaced as early as the 1900s. In 1912, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducted a study of industrial accidents in the iron and steel industry. The bureau also sponsored Dr. Alice Hamilton’s research on lead poisoning in the workplace. Subsequently, as the BLS conducted more studies related to health and safety in more industries, they began to keep records of workplace injuries and deaths.

Over a span of three decades, the BLS conducted nationwide surveys to obtain statistics about the severity and frequency of injuries at the workplace—temporary disabilities, permanent impairment, or injuries leading to death. In the late 1930s, the BLS was able to compute nationwide work injury data. The data helped legislators to understand the need for legislation to preserve the nation’s human resources. The legislation ensured that employers would provide safe and healthful working conditions for all their employees. This led to Congress passing the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970. The act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the act’s legislation and regulations.

The act covers employers in both the public sector and private industries. It sets regulations as well as safety and health standards. OSHA conducts regular inspections and investigations to ensure that all organizations follow the regulations and standards. The legislation has greatly improved worker safety. Since 1970, workplace-related deaths have decreased by more than 65 percent, and work-related injuries and illnesses have decreased by 67 percent. According to OSHA, there were 38 deaths per day in 1970, whereas this figure dropped to 12 per day in 2012. However, much remains to be done. In 2012 alone, 4,628 workers were killed on the job.

OSHA violations occur frequently due to

failure to protect from falls

inadequate information and education provided to employees

problems related to scaffolding (improper access or inadequate or absence of guard rails)

inadequate respiratory protection

problems related to ladders (inappropriate ladders or damaged side rails)

A recent example of a safety violation is that by Ball Aerosol and Specialty Container.

OSHA cited Ball Aerosol and Specialty Container with 11 safety violations for taking inadequate care to guard machinery. Inadequate machine guarding exposed workers to the risk of amputation hazards. OSHA fined the company $589,000. Because the company had already received citations for the same violations in the past, OSHA placed the company on their Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

(sample answer on Ed)

Answer 2

Title: The Occupational Safety and Health Act: A Commitment Towards a Safer Workplace

Introduction:

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is a significant labor law in the United States that ensures the safety and well-being of American workers. This essay will delve into the history, coverage, and relevance of the OSHA. Additionally, examples of incidents where individuals failed to follow the law and their subsequent consequences will be explored.

Body:

History of the Occupational Safety and Health Act:

The OSHA was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 29, 1970. Its primary objective was to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by establishing comprehensive safety regulations. Prior to the enactment of OSHA, there were approximately 14,000 workplace fatalities annually in the United States. This staggering statistic highlighted the dire need for protective legislation.

Coverage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act:

The OSHA covers the majority of private sector employers and their employees in the United States. It excludes self-employed individuals, certain agricultural operations, and workplaces regulated by other federal agencies. OSHA sets forth standards that employers must adhere to, and its guidelines encompass a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and more.

Relevance and Impact of the Occupational Safety and Health Act:

Since its establishment, the OSHA has played a crucial role in improving workplace safety. Statistics consistently demonstrate its relevance:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal injuries in the workplace decreased from 38.8 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 1970 to 3.5 in 2019. This represents a remarkable 91% reduction.

From 1971 to 2019, the total recordable nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate declined by approximately 73%.

These figures underscore the significant impact of the OSHA in fostering a safer work environment and safeguarding workers' well-being.

Examples of Noncompliance and Consequences: Unfortunately, instances of noncompliance with the OSHA standards still occur. One notable case was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City in 1911. Due to numerous safety violations, including blocked exit doors and inadequate fire escapes, 146 workers died in the fire, becoming a tragic catalyst for labor reform.

More recently, in 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion resulted in the death of 11 workers and severe environmental damage. Investigations revealed failure to comply with OSHA safety regulations, leading to a preventable disaster of catastrophic proportions.

These incidents demonstrate the devastating consequences of neglecting or disobeying the OSHA regulations and emphasize the importance of vigilance in ensuring workplace safety.

Conclusion:

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is a paramount labor law in the United States, which has significantly contributed to enhancing workplace safety. Through the implementation of comprehensive safety regulations, the OSHA has played a vital role in reducing workplace fatalities and injuries. However, instances of noncompliance, as exemplified by historical events and more recent disasters, serve as sobering reminders of the dire consequences that can arise from neglecting safety regulations. It is crucial for employers and employees alike to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the principles of the OSHA for the well-being of all workers.

Step-by-step explanation: