So what is OSHA and why is it so important? Find out with us at Concrete Visions.
OSHA is The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is a federal agency that is part of the United States Department of Labor. Their mission is to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance”. The agency was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 29, 1970. Their inspections and regulations have been proven to increase safety without affecting the productivity of the company.
Who is Protected?
The private sector: OSHA covers most private sector employees in all 50 states, DC, and other U.S. jurisdictions either through federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state plan.
State and local governments: These workers are not covered under federal OSHA. However, they still have OSH protections as long as they work in a state with an OSHA-approved state program.
Federal government employees: OSHA’s protection applies to all employees of all federal agencies
Rights and Responsibilities Under OSHA
Employers’ Responsibilities:
- Provide a safe working environment
- Record work-related illnesses and injuries
- Perform required tests and post the results
- Prominently display “OSHA Job Safety and Health- It’s the Law” poster
…And more.
Workers’ Rights:
- Safe working conditions
- File confidential complaints with OSHA
- Receive copies of workplace medical records, test results, and work-related injury reports.
- File a discrimination complaint with OSHA
- A private, confidential meeting with the OSHA inspector
…And more.
Enforcement
Compliance officers carry out inspections and assess fines for any violations they find. Regular safety inspections are scheduled for particularly hazardous industries’ workplaces. For others, inspections can be triggered by a workplace fatality, multiple hospitalizations, worker complaints, or referrals.
Choose Concrete Visions for Your Construction Safety Needs
Concrete Visions has over 12 years of experience and expertise in concrete scanning and we know how to detect any problems lurking beneath the surface. We use ground-penetrating radar accurately and expertly and are familiar in many other methods that can be used when appropriate like concrete x-ray and electromagnetic conductivity. We are also very familiar with the latest construction safety techniques and train all of our workers to do their work quickly, accurately, and safely. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (410) 766-2210 or visit us online. For more articles and tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.