There are numerous federal agencies that influence employment arrangements. There is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that helps to investigate claims of discrimination and enforce workplace fairness laws. There is also the Department of Labor (DOL), which helps establish and enforce crucial employment policies.
Workplace safety is another employment concern overseen by federal agencies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a division of the DOL that helps gather data on workplace safety, maintain effective safety rules and enforce safety standards.
OSHA regulates many industries
OSHA has both generalized safety standards and industry-specific regulations. There are unique rules that apply in manufacturing facilities or at construction sites, for example.
OSHA requires the use of certain types of safety gear and the training of workers in different professions to help protect them from serious job-related injuries. In some industries, employers may even have to display certain OSHA rules as part of the organization’s overall regulatory compliance.
OSHA gathers safety data
OSHA receives reports from employers about job injuries and deaths. For example, employers may have to submit OSHA 300A describing workplace injuries.
The collection of data about a variety of incidents can help influence the future of safety regulations. In some cases, information about workplace injuries and illnesses may show that there is a significant gap in current regulations. Other times, it can help identify risks for improved worker awareness.
OSHA can enforce safety standards
In scenarios involving overt safety violations, OSHA can intervene. Sometimes, concerned employees and members of the public may report safety violations to OSHA.
The agency may then intervene by shutting down work at a construction site or otherwise taking immediate action to force an employer into compliance. Other times, documentation of safety violations may lead to OSHA imposing fines against a company or taking additional steps to prevent safety violations from causing worker injuries.
The documents published by OSHA can help inform employer safety practices and educate workers about their rights. OSHA can investigate unsafe circumstances and hold employers accountable for safety violations.
Employees hurt on the job don’t need to prove that their employer violated OSHA standards to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. They just need a medical condition directly related to their work. Applying for benefits can help injured employees cover their medical costs and lost wages if they get hurt at work.