While some people may argue that the government is always trying to interfere with legislation and regulation, no one can argue that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has gone to great lengths to protect worker safety and their rights. to a risk-free environment. Workplace. OSHA has grown in importance from the time of its inception, and now almost all businesses display special OSHA posters on their walls to inform workers of their rights.
OSHA was born on December 29, 1970. Then-President Richard Nixon signed into law the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act. The purpose of the law was to give the national government the authority to establish, monitor, and enforce proper safety techniques in most workplaces. The Secretary of Labor at the time, James Hodgson, created the Occupational Safety and Health Agency under the Department of Labor on April 28, 1971.
At first, many people complained about the act. The agency required companies to retrofit machinery with protective guards, as well as provide costly and time-consuming training and documentation. In addition, the Department of Labor was not very strict in its consistent application of the law. Because of all the work it took them, OSHA administrators first focused on especially hazardous businesses and industries, as well as regulating asbestos.
Even these tasks did not spare the administration from criticism. There was an uproar about small vs. regulation of large companies, the need for thorough documentation, and other aspects of OSHA control. However, two tragic workplace accidents in 1973 demonstrated the need for safety standards in the business world. Government officials worked hard to update their rules, both on safety and health issues.
This eventually led to a crackdown on the chemicals used by several different companies. January 14, 1989 marked the date that OSHA reasserted its authority by declaring exposure limits for 52 chemicals, up from its original 24 limitations created during the agency’s lifetime. Some speculate that this was to help OSHA “walk the talk.”
The 21st century has shown OSHA to be a group that has fully matured and is now in control of workers’ safety and health rights. Legislation has been passed to reduce ergonomic injuries, as well as large fines awarded by the agency to companies that cause oil spills and fail to meet health standards. OSHA is now developing similar regulatory programs at the state level and encouraging employees to report concerns about workplace hazards. It works to save lives and protect people from work-related illnesses and injuries. As you can see, it has come a long way since its induction and now serves as an important guide for businesses today.
If you believe your business has not followed OSHA standards, resulting in personal injury or death, you may qualify for financial compensation. To learn more about personal injury law in your area, check out the Legal City Lawyer Search Directory today.
