Occupational Safety and Health Standards in US



Occupational Safety and Health Standards in US

Introduction

A safe work environment is one which is free from injuries and ill health, has high-performance standards and prevents damage to property, and avoids incidents such as loss events. The health and safety of workers in the United States of America is enforced and administered by Department of Labor (DOL). According to United States Department of Labor (2010), The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act renders all employers under it to comply by providing its employees a workplace that is free from serious hazards. There are sections that provide standards to be followed in different health and safety standards. High level of management commitment, inspection programs and hazard control program are a pre-requisite of effective workplace safety.

The need for occupational safety and health

The health and safety of the workers is the responsibility of the employer. This is one of his prime responsibilities and basic rights of the workers. In order to ensure that the environment provided for the workers and employees are free from risks and hazards, the employer should not only make specific safety measures and guidelines but also monitor and maintain health and safety on a continual basis. In other words, there is a need to remain focuses on achieving workplace safety excellence (York, 2010). Workplace safety excellence is a rather novel concept and involves ensuring a secure environment for the employees of the organization. In this context, it is imperative to lay down the constituent characteristics of a safe environment. A work environment that is free from injuries and ill health, avoids incidents such as loss events, has high-performance standards and prevents damage to property may be considered as a safe workplace (United States Department of Labor, 2010).

Grounds for Occupational health and ...