Occupational safety guidelines were established to prevent employees and employers from getting ill, injured or killed on the job. The occupational health and safety guidelines that have been established must be followed by both the employer and the employees at all times, unless the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) makes changes to the regulations. Although the act has not prevented injuries or deaths, both have decreased over the years.
OSHA History
Congress established OHSA in 1970. Since the administration was formed, the number of workplace injuries nationwide has decreased by 42 percent, and the number of deaths have decreased by 62 percent. OSHA ensures employers and employees comply with the safety guidelines of the act by sending representatives into the businesses to do checkups and inspections. Any employer that is in violation, or has an employee in violation of the guidelines, could face a citation, fine or even be forced to close the business down until all health and safety requirements are met.
Safety Hazards
There are safety guidelines outlined in the OSH Act that prevent employers from allowing employees to work in safety hazards. All employers are to provide employees with a working environment that is free of hazards. Hazards include any harmful situations likely to cause death or injury to employees.
Safety Training
The employer must properly train an employee on do his job effectively and safely. Training must be provided to the employee before he begins working. If an employee is hurt while training, the employer may not allow the employee to work on the job until he can pass through the training without being injured. Training includes using and operating machinery and equipment.
Safety Gear
An employee should be provided with the safety gear she needs to wear in order to perform her job safely. Employers are not required to provide the employees with safety gear, such as hard hats, safety goggles or steel-toed boots, but the employer is required to notify the employee that she needs to wear these types of safety gear. If an employee chooses not to wear her safety gear when directed to, the employer may not allow the employee to work, because this can cause the employee to be injured or killed.
Posting Safety Guidelines
Not all employees are aware of the safety guidelines they must follow at work, or their safety rights. Therefore, an employer is required by the OSH Act to have a visible poster, flyer or document of some type that details OSHA guidelines and rights of the employee. If an employee would like to keep a copy of his rights and the safety guidelines, the employer must give the employee his own copy. Not having the guidelines and rights posted is a violation of the act, and the business will be cited.
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