IF 7th edition: Ch24

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Learning Objectives

  • After completing this chapter, the student should be able to do the following:

    • Describe the mission statement of OSHA.

    • List what persons OSHA standards cover.

    • Define an OSHA standard and describe how standards are developed.

    • Discuss state OSHA plans, their requirements, and the coverage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

    • List the three major points of the OSHA 2018 to 2022 Strategic Management Plan and discuss the strategic challenges OSHA faces.

Historical Context of OSHA

  • Fifty years ago, over 14,000 workers died annually due to work-related accidents.

  • Approximately 2.5 million workers experienced disabilities while working.

  • An estimated 300,000 new cases of occupational diseases and injuries occurred each year.

  • The extensive impact of worker injuries resulted in lost productivity, wages, medical expenses, and disability compensation.

  • The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed by Congress in 1970 to prevent work-related fatalities and injuries, becoming effective in April 1971.

  • The legislation led to the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the Department of Labor (DOL).

  • Since its inception, OSHA has contributed to a reduction in workplace fatalities by more than 60% and occupational injury and illness rates by 40%. For instance, there were 391 workplace-related deaths reported in 2020.

OSHA's Mission, Rights, and Responsibilities

OSHA's Mission

  • The mission of OSHA is to:

    • Set and enforce protective workplace safety and health standards.

    • Provide information, training, and assistance to employers and workers.

Responsibilities of Employers

  • Employers are required to:

    • Follow all relevant OSHA safety and health standards.

    • Identify and rectify safety and health hazards.

    • Inform employees about chemical hazards using various methods (training, labels, alarms, etc.).

    • Notify OSHA within 8 hours of a workplace fatality or within 24 hours of a workplace-related inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. Reporting can be done at 1-800-321-OSHA or online at www.osha.gov/report_online.

    • Provide necessary personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.

    • Maintain accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

    • Post OSHA citations and injury summaries in visible areas for workers.

    • Avoid retaliation against any worker exercising their rights under the law.

Rights of Employees

  • Employees are entitled to:

    • Safe working conditions free from serious hazards.

    • Information and training about chemical and other hazards and relevant OSHA standards (in a language they can understand).

    • Access to records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

    • Copies of test results related to health hazards in the workplace.

    • File a complaint requesting an OSHA inspection if they believe there is a serious hazard or non-compliance with OSHA rules. OSHA guarantees confidentiality upon request.

    • Use their rights under the law without fear of retaliation; if an individual is demoted, transferred, or retaliated against, they can file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged retaliation.

Coverage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act

  • The Act covers nearly all employers and employees in the United States, with direct application by the federal government or via state-approved OSHA programs in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

  • Exemptions include self-employed persons and family-run farms.

  • Local government employees are covered under established state plans that align with OSHA regulations.

OSHA Standards Development

Process of Standard Development

  • OSHA can initiate the standard promulgation process independently or in response to petitions from various stakeholders (federal agencies, local organizations, etc.).

  • If a specific standard is warranted, OSHA establishes advisory committees comprising members from government sectors, labor, and industry.

  • Recommendations may also come from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

  • Standard proposals are published in the Federal Register, which invites public comments.

    • A typical comment period lasts around 30-60 days, during which interested parties can submit evidence and opinions.

    • Public hearings may also be conducted.

  • Standards are legally enforceable and can describe conditions or recommended practices assuring worker safety.

Examples of OSHA Standards Related to Dentistry

  • Standards that may be applicable to dental practices include:

    • Biological Agents

    • Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention

    • Computer Workstations

    • Eye and Face Protection

    • Hazard Communication

    • Hazardous Drugs

    • Workplace Violence

    • Emergency Action Plan

    • Fire and Explosion Hazards

OSHA's Strategic Goals (2018-2022)

  • Strategic planning is periodically undertaken by the DOL to develop performance measures aligned with the vision of providing good jobs for all.

Goal 1: Support Job Accessibility

  • Create customer-focused workforce solutions for various demographics, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

  • Provide resources and tools for employment maintenance.

  • Develop evidence-based policies to broaden inclusive work opportunities.

  • Disseminate relevant labor market information.

Goal 2: Promote Safe Jobs and Fair Workplaces

  • Ensure safe and healthful working conditions for all workers, reducing occupational fatalities and injuries.

  • Promote lawful wages and work conditions fostering job security and retirement benefits for American workers.

Goal 3: Administer Strong Workers' Compensation Programs

  • Provide timely benefits for injured workers and those who become ill as a result of job-related tasks.