Introduction to OSHA and the General Duty Clause

Course Description:

The main objective of this session is to familiarize you with how OSHA and the General Duty Clause affect your job and our workplace. By the time the session is over, you will be able to understand the purpose of OSHA; identify OSHA’s strategies for improving workplace safety; recognize the impact of the General Duty Clause; and know your OSHA rights and responsibilities.

Why “Introduction to OSHA and the General Duty Clause” Matters:

Federal law requires employers to inform their workers about their rights and responsibilities to have a safe and healthy workplace. Workers will be better able to recognize and carry out their responsibilities for a safe workplace by understanding how OSHA develops and enforces safety standards, how it determines which workplaces to inspect, and about the employer and employee obligations under the General Duty Clause to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Employees must recognize and exercise their rights to protection from retaliation for taking certain actions related to workplace safety.

Key Points:

• OSHA’s purpose and mission are to save lives, prevent injuries and illnesses, and protect workers’ safety and health.
• OSHA uses enforcement, partnerships, outreach, and rule making to achieve its mission.
• Employer responsibilities include complying with OSHA rules and providing safe work conditions.
• The General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards.
• Employees are obligated to follow employer safety rules and policies.
• Employees have the right to safety information and to report unsafe conditions without retaliation.