Workplace Safety Standards

To foster workplace safety, OSHA has established specific standards to regulate equipment and other aspects of the work environment. National standards developed by engineering and quality control groups are often used by OSHA to establish its own standards.

OSHA rules and standards are frequently complicated and technical. While many industries, like construction and health care, have specific workplace requirements, all companies must adhere to two key provisions.

General duty: The act requires that the employer has a general duty to provide safe and healthy working conditions, even in areas where OSHA standards have not been set. Employers that know or reasonably should know of unsafe or unhealthy conditions can be cited for violating the general duty clause.

Notification and posters: Employers are required to inform their employees of OSHA safety and health standards. OSHA posters must also be displayed in prominent locations in workplaces.

OSHA standards help maintain a safe and healthy work environment for employees.