OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1970

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.A federal statute that requires employers to (1) keep the workplace free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, and (2) comply with standards promulgated by the Secretary of Labor. — Abbr. OSHA (oh-sh<<schwa>>). [Cases: Labor Relations 9.6.]

“Although OSHA has been one of the most controversial pieces of protective legislation ever enacted, Congress has not passed any substantive amendments to the Act. There have been, however, some limitations on OSHA enforcement activity attached to appropriations bills. In addition, OSHA has been affected by newer laws such as the Criminal Fine Enforcement Act, the Equal Access to Justice Act, and the Surface Transportation Assistance Act…. The Act covers employment in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all American territories, an estimated 5 million workplaces and 75 million employees.” Mark A. Rothstein, Occupational Safety and Health Law 7 (1990).

[Blacks Law 8th]