Chapter 6

docx

School

Iowa State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

370

Subject

Management

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

2

Uploaded by CommodoreClover6276

Report
1.Briefly explain the rationale for the OSH Act. Rationale for the OSH Act: The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was established to ensure that employers provide employees with an environment free from recognized hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions. The rationale behind the OSH Act is to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at work by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. 2.What is OSHA’s mission or purpose? OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. The purpose is to protect workers from unsafe working conditions and to reduce workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. 3. List those who are exempted from coverage by OSHA. Certain groups are exempt from OSHA coverage, including self-employed individuals, immediate family members of farm employers that do not employ outside workers, and workers whose hazards are regulated by another federal agency (e.g., Mine Safety and Health Administration for miners, Department of Transportation for truck drivers, Federal Aviation Administration for airline employees). 4. Explain the difference between an OSHA standard and an OSHA regulation. An OSHA standard is a specific requirement or set of requirements for the safety and health of workers, established by OSHA and focusing on specific hazards or industries. An OSHA regulation, on the other hand, refers to the overall rules and provisions that OSHA has created under the authority of the OSH Act. Thus, all standards are types of regulations, but not all regulations are standards. 5. Explain how the following processes relating to OSHA standards are accomplished: passage of a new standard, request for a temporary variance, and appeal a standard. Passage of a New Standard: OSHA develops new standards through a process that involves research, advisory committee recommendations, public comments, and hearings. The process is designed to gather input from various stakeholders, including industry, labor, and safety professionals. Request for a Temporary Variance: Employers who cannot comply with a new standard by its effective date may apply for a temporary variance. The employer must demonstrate that they are taking steps to comply with the standard, have a good reason for the delay, and are protecting their employees in the interim. Appealing a Standard: Stakeholders who disagree with a new standard can appeal it through the courts. They must prove that the standard is not justified or that it is technically or economically infeasible. 6. Briefly describe OSHA’s latest record-keeping requirements.
OSHA’s Latest Record-Keeping Requirements: As of my last update, OSHA requires most employers with 10 or more full-time employees to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. Exempt industries include those classified as low hazard, such as retail, finance, insurance, real estate, and certain service sectors. Employers must maintain an OSHA 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, post an annual summary (OSHA Form 300A), and keep these records for five years. Some severe incidents must be reported to OSHA within 24 hours, and all work-related fatalities within 8 hours. 7. What are OSHA’s reporting requirements? OSHA’s Reporting Requirements: Employers must report all work-related fatalities within 8 hours and all work-related inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of an eye within 24 hours. These reports can be made by phone or online through OSHA's reporting portal. 8. Explain what employers are required to do to keep employees informed. Keeping Employees Informed: Employers are required to keep employees informed about their rights and responsibilities under OSHA. This includes posting the OSHA "Job Safety and Health: It's the Law" poster in a prominent location, informing employees about hazards in their workplace, providing access to the OSHA 300 injury and illness records, and training employees on safety and health. 9. Explain the various components of OSHA’s enhanced enforcement policy. OSHA’s enhanced enforcement policy may include increased penalties, focused inspections, and follow- up visits to ensure compliance. It targets employers with the worst safety records, repeat violations, or willful disregard for employee safety and health. 10. Describe how a hypothetical OSHA workplace inspection would proceed from the first step to the last. Opening Conference: An OSHA compliance officer introduces themselves to the employer, explains the reason for the inspection, and outlines the scope of the inspection. Walkthrough Inspection: The compliance officer, accompanied by a representative of the employer and an employee representative, inspects the workplace for hazards that could lead to injury or illness. Employee Interviews: The compliance officer may conduct private interviews with employees to discuss safety and health conditions. Closing Conference: After the inspection, the compliance officer discusses findings with the employer, including any violations, and advises on timelines for corrective actions. Citation and Penalty (if applicable): If violations are found, OSHA may issue citations and propose penalties, outlining the specifics of the violation, proposed penalties, and the deadline for correcting the hazard.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help