My current location: , | Change location

ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

On the Job

Workplace Safety

What obligations are imposed on employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act)?

The act imposes three obligations on employers:

  • Employers are required to furnish a workplace "free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm" to employees.
  • Employers are required to comply with the safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA.
  • Employers are required to keep records of employee injuries, illnesses, deaths, and exposures to toxic substances, and to preserve employee medical records.

    There are some exemptions from some requirements under the OSH Act for employers with ten or fewer employees. These small companies do not have to maintain certain types of records, and they are exempt from certain types of penalties and enforcement activities; however, they are still required to provide a safe workplace and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

    • American Bar Association Family Legal Guide
    Copyright © 2004 American Bar Association
    Prev FAQ Next FAQ

    FAQs

    More

    Find a Lawyer

    Legal Issue
    Location

    FindLaw for the Public - Forms

    ABA Family Legal Guide

    Editors' Picks

    Bookshelf

    Full-text books you can read for free online:

    See All Bookshelf Titles