Module 1 - Introduction to OSHA

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Questions and Answers

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

What is OSHA's responsibility?

Worker safety and health protection

When did President Nixon sign the OSH act into law?

December 29, 1970

When did OSHA get formally created?

April 28, 1971 Signup and view all the answers

Who does OSHA cover?

Nearly every American employee Signup and view all the answers

Who does OSHA NOT cover? (Select all that apply)

Immediate family members of farm employers that do not employ outside employees Signup and view all the answers

What is OSHA's mission?

To save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America's workers Signup and view all the answers

What 3 things does OSHA do to carry out its mission? (Select all that apply)

Maintains a reporting and recordkeeping system Signup and view all the answers

Under OSHA, you have a right to a _____ workplace.

safe and healthful Signup and view all the answers

What is the General Duty Clause?

Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards Signup and view all the answers

What must employers have regarding hazard communication? (Select all that apply)

Safety data sheets (SDS) Signup and view all the answers

What does OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule require? (Select all that apply)

Most employers with more than 10 workers to keep a log of injuries and illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What are employee complaint/request rights?

Workers may bring up safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation Signup and view all the answers

Do workers have a RIGHT to be trained?

True Signup and view all the answers

What does the 1910.1020 standard say about worker exposure rights?

Employees exposed to toxic substances have the right to access medical and exposure records Signup and view all the answers

What are toxic substances?

Metals and dusts such as lead, cadmium, and silica Signup and view all the answers

What are biological agents?

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi Signup and view all the answers

What are harmful physical agents?

Physical stresses such as noise, heat, cold, and radiation Signup and view all the answers

What are workers' rights to filing a complaint with OSHA? (Select all that apply)

Request the complaint remains anonymous Signup and view all the answers

Can workers participate in an OSHA inspection?

True Signup and view all the answers

What are OSHA's 'Whistleblower' rights?

Workers have the right to be free from retaliation for exercising safety rights Signup and view all the answers

What can workers do when they have a reasonable belief of imminent danger? (Select all that apply)

Contact OSHA without informing the employer Signup and view all the answers

What responsibilities does an employer have under OSHA? (Select all that apply)

Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards Signup and view all the answers

What are employers' responsibilities for PPE?

Employers must determine if PPE is needed and provide it when required Signup and view all the answers

Match the OSHA inspection priority rankings with their descriptions:

1st Priority = Imminent danger, reasonable certainty an immediate danger exists 2nd Priority = Fatality/Catastrophe 3rd Priority = Complaints/Referrals 4th Priority = Programmed Inspections Signup and view all the answers

What are the different OSHA violation types? (Select all that apply)

Repeated Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

OSHA Overview

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor.
Responsible for worker safety and health protection.

Historical Context

The OSH Act was signed into law by President Nixon on December 29, 1970.
OSHA was formally created on April 28, 1971.

Coverage

Nearly all American employees are covered by OSHA or OSHA-approved state agencies.
Exclusions include self-employed individuals, immediate family members of farm employers without outside employees, employees covered by other agencies (e.g., Mine Safety and Health Administration, Federal Aviation Administration), and public employees in states without an OSHA-approved program.

Mission and Responsibilities

OSHA's mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect workers' health.
Implements job safety and health standards, maintains injury and illness reporting systems, and provides training programs to enhance knowledge on occupational safety and health.

Employee Rights under OSHA

Workers have the right to a safe workplace, knowledge about hazardous chemicals, and information about workplace injuries and illnesses.
Rights include filing complaints, training on safety, access to hazard exposure information, and protection from retaliation for exercising safety rights.

Hazard Communication and Training

Employers must have a comprehensive hazard communication program, including container labeling, safety data sheets, and worker training on chemical hazards and protective measures.
OSHA’s Recordkeeping Rule mandates that employers with over 10 workers maintain logs of injuries and illnesses accessible to employees for review.

General Duty Clause

Employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm (Section 5(a)(1)).

Complaint and Inspection Rights

Workers can file complaints with OSHA regarding safety standard violations or imminent dangers without fear of discrimination.
Employee representatives can accompany OSHA inspectors during inspections and report health and safety concerns.

Whistleblower Protections

Workers are protected from retaliation when exercising their right to report unsafe working conditions.

Refusal of Dangerous Work

Workers may legally refuse work if they believe a serious danger exists, have reported the hazard to the employer without action taken, and it is an immediate risk without time for regulatory correction.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must provide a safe workplace, necessary training, maintain injury/illness records, offer medical exams as required, and supply PPE at no cost.
Must not discriminate against workers who exercise their rights under OSHA guidelines.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers must assess the need for PPE and supply it to employees if required.

OSHA Inspection Priorities

Inspections are prioritized as follows:
- Imminent danger situations
- Fatality or catastrophe incidents
- Complaints or referrals
- Programmed inspections

Types of Violations

Violations are categorized as:
- Willful: intentional non-compliance.
- Serious: substantial likelihood of death or serious harm.
- Other-than-serious: relates to safety but unlikely to cause severe harm.
- Repeated: similar to previous violations.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to OSHA, including its definition, responsibilities, and historical milestones. Test your knowledge on important facts about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its establishment. Perfect for anyone looking to understand workplace safety regulations.