OSHA Handbook, An Introduction to OSHA, Unit 1

You have the right to:

1. A safe and healthy workplace. 2. Know about hazardous chemicals. 3. Report injury or illness to your employer. 4. Complain or request hazard correction from your employer. 5. Training in a language and vocabulary that you can understand. 6. See and copy hazard exposure and medical records related to your exposure to harmful toxic substances, and harmful physical agents. 7. File a confidential complaint with OSHA if you believe a violation of a safety or health standard, or an imminent danger situation, exists in the workplace. 8. Participate in an OSHA inspection. 9. See any OSHA citations issued to your employer. 10. Be free from punishment for exercising safety and health rights.

What are some of the most frequently sited standards?

1. Fall protection 2. Hazard communication 3. Scaffolding 4. Respiratory protection 5. Electrical 6. Powered industrial trucks 7. Ladders

What are the types of OSHA inspections?

1. Imminent danger 2. Fatality or hospitalizations 3. Worker complaints/referrals 4. Targeted inspections - Local Emphasis Program (LEP), National Emphasis Program (NEP), or particular hazards or industries 5. Follow-up inspections

How do today's work related injuries and death compare to 1970?

1. In 1970 there were 38 worker deaths a day and today there are about 12 a day. 2. In 1970 there were 10.9 incidents per 100 workers and today there are about 3 per 100.

What are the OSHA standards?

1. Limit the amount of hazardous chemicals substances, or noise that workers can be exposed to. 2. Require the use of certain safe work practices and equipment. 3. Require employers to monitor certain hazards and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Outside of the workplace employees can get help from:

1. OSHA's website: www.osha.gov 2. Compliance Assistant Specialists at OSHA office 3. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 4. OSHA Training Institute Education Centers 5. Doctors, nurses, and other health care providers 6. Public libraries 7. Other local, community-based resources

Employers must:

1. Provide employees a workplace free from recognized hazards. 2. Provide required training to all workers in a language and vocabulary they can understand. 3. Keep injury and illness records, and 3-1. report to OSHA all work-related fatalities within 8 hours 3-2. report all impatient hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye within 24 hours 3-3. an annual summary of injuries and illnesses must be posted Feb. 1 to April 30 4. Provide required medical exams. 5. Not discriminate against workers for exercising their rights. 6. Comply with all applicable OSHA standards. 7. Prominently display the OSHA poster in the workplace and citations. 8. Provide and pay for most personal protective equipment (PPE)

Where can employees go for help?

1. The employer or supervisor, coworkers & union representatives 2. SDS's for information on chemicals 3. Labels and warning signs. 4. Employee orientation manuals or other training materials. 5. Procedures and instructions for work tasks.

What are the four types of OSHA violations?

1. Willfull 2. Serious 3. Other-than-serious 4. Repeated

In 1970, how many job-related accidents resulted in death?

14,000

What year did Congress establish OSHA?

1970

In 1970, how many American workers became disabled at work?

2.5 million workers

In 1970, how many new cases of occupational diseases were there?

300,000

How many Americans spend their days on the job?

90 million Americans

How does an employee file an OSHA complaint?

Download the OSHA complaint form from OSHA's website, online, telephone or visit your local OSHA regional office.

What is the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act?

Employers shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

What is OSHA's sister agency?

NIOSH - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

What are OSHA standards?

Rules that describe the methods employers must use to protect employees from hazards.

How are OSHA inspections conducted?

Safety and health officers conduct workplace inspections at reasonable times, and without advanced notice.

What is the mission of OSHA?

To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by 1. setting and enforcing standards (through work site inspections) and by 2. providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

After OSHA was established, the number of injuries and illnesses: a. Decreased. b. Stayed the same. c. Increased. d. Decreased only for large employers.

a. Decreased

Your employer must post all of the following, except: a. The names of injured employees. b. The OSHA poster. c. The annual summary of injuries and illnesses. d. OSHA citations for violations.

a. The names of injured employees.

The written hazard communication program must include information on: a. Emergency evacuation, procedures. b. Container labeling, SDSs, and training. c. Injury and illness records. d. Sources of hazardous energy.

b. Container labeling, SDSs, and training.

If you tell your employer about unsafe conditions: a. You will have to join the safety committee. b. OSHA rules protect you from getting into trouble with your employer. c. You must also eliminate the hazard. d. You will be fired.

b. OSHA rules protect you from getting into trouble with your employer.

Types of OSHA violations can include all of the following except: a. Serious. b. Other-than-serious. c. Imminent danger. d. Willful

c. Imminent danger.

In addition to setting and enforcing rules, OSHA also: a. Approves safety products. b. Installs safety alarms. c. Provides training. d. All of the above.

c. Provides training

You cannot get into trouble with your employer if you: a. Refuse to wear your PPE. b. Remove machine guards. c. Report an illness or injury. d. Hide damaged tools.

c. Report and illness or injury.

Who is responsible for providing and paying for most PPE? a. OSHA b. The employee. c. The employer. d. The safety manager.

c. The employer.

OSHA inspections can be triggered by: a. Fatalities or hospitalizations. b. Worker complaints. c. National Emphasis Programs. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

You have the right to: a. File a confidential complaint with OSHA. b. Talk to the OSHA inspector during an inspection. c. See OSHA citations issued to your employer. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.