A Field Guide To OSHA© - Baker & Hostetler LLP

IntroductionMany workplaces in the United States are regulated by the FederalOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This guideis intended to help the reader understand the Federal OccupationalSafety and Health Act as it applies to general industry, as well asOSHA’s structure, powers and enforcement tools. OSHA has issuedseparate standards that apply to certain industries, such as Shipyard,Longshoring, and Construction, however the information in this guide isrelevant for those industries as well.TopicPage No.I. WHAT IS OSHA? 1II. OSHA JURISDICTION 2III. OSHA ENFORCEMENT 4IV. INSPECTION PROCEDURES 4V. ANALYZING THE CITATIONS 10VI. INFORMAL CONFERENCES 11VII. NOTICE OF CONTEST 12VIII. SUBSEQUENT PROCEDURE 13IX. IMMEDIATELY REPORTABLE EVENTS 13X. COMMONLY CITED STANDARDS 14XI. SPECIAL PROGRAMS 14XII. APPENDIX 16I. WHAT IS OSHA?The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)is a federal agency that falls within the Department of Labor andis headquartered in Washington, D.C. OSHA was created by theOccupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the “OSH Act,” or the“Act”). The Act is intended to assure safe and healthful workingconditions in American workplaces. The Act requires employers tocomply with safety and health standards and to maintain a workplacethat is free from recognized hazards. The Act also requires that eachemployee comply with occupational safety and health standards andall rules, regulations, and orders issued under the OSH Act applicableto his or her actions and conduct. However, there is no authority tosanction employees under the OSH Act.-1-