What is OSHA?

You may have heard of it…..but what is it?

Back in the day….there were not many safety rules

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But due to the lack of safety regulations, there were a lot of accidents…...and deaths.

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In 1970, Congress signed the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act, and in 1971 OSHA was born.

So, what is OSHA’s job?

: to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

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They train a lot of areas in training, for example:

Forklift Safety

OSHA has several responsibilities

They make certain employers take care of their employees.

Under the OSHA law, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace. ... Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act. Examine workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards.

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And that is good news for us. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have to teach us how to be safe, or provide us with the opportunity to be safe.

One can only begin to imagine some of the unsafe situations that might happen in construction without some safety protocol.

For example:

No fall protection such as harnesses or safety fences...

That could create quite a painful fall….

Kind of like Ladder safety

Water safety

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment

Commons Sense too.

Which isn’t always that common…..

How do they do this?

By maintaining a reporting and recordkeeping system to keep track of job-related injuries and illnesses, and. providing training programs to increase knowledge about occupational safety and health

Long story short, they will fine people or a business.

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Congress took employers by surprise when it increased Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) penalties nearly 80 percent in 2016. Today, a Serious violation can fetch a maximum penalty of $13,260, and a Willful or Repeat violation can cost up to $132,59

You have an opportunity to obtain an industry certification known as OSHA 10

The term OSHA 10 refers to the OSHA Ten Hour Training that is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program. The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program of training provided by OSHA authorized trainers. Its purpose is to promote workplace safety and health

OSHA-10

The term OSHA 10 refers to the OSHA Ten Hour Training that is part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program. The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program of training provided by OSHA authorized trainers. Its purpose is to promote workplace safety and health.

It is a 5 year certification.

OSHA does not require anyone to complete the OSHA 10. However, some states and even municipalities have made the classes mandatory for certain workers, especially in the construction industry.

Upon applying for a job, many employers will be more likely to hire someone with an OSHA-10 card.

It shows responsibility, initiative and that you know/understand safety.