Sherjeel Sohail

02/20/2013

OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a part of the US Department of Labor that establishes, issues, and enforces national workplace safety regulations. These are designed to make job areas and practices safer for US workers. OSHA was created by the Occupation Safety and Health Act of December 29, 1970. It is mandated to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries in US factories and other industries. OSHA standards are rules that describe the systematic way employers are legally required to follow to protect their workers from hazards. The process to issue a standard is extensive and lengthy and includes substantial public participation, notification and comment. The government agency must show that a significant risk to workers exists and that there are practicable measures employers can implement to protect their employees. OSHA has developed a number of training, compliance assistance, and health and safety recognition programs throughout its history. The OSHA Training Institute, which trains government and private sector health and safety personnel, began in 1972. In 1978, the agency began a grantmaking program, now called the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, to train workers and employers in reducing workplace hazards. OSHA started the Voluntary Protection Programs in 1982, which allows employers to apply as "model workplaces" to achieve special designation if they meet certain requirements. FAA and OSHA have made several attempts to address occupational health and safety issues that concern aviation industry employees, including crewmembers on aircraft in operation, by negotiating Memoranda of Understanding.