Frequently Asked Questions

Excerpts taken directly from the OSHA Web Site

What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?
The charter of OSHA is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Since OSHA was created in 1971, work-related deaths have decreased by 62% and work-related injuries have decreased by 42%.

What are the priorities of OSHA?
OSHA gives the following priority order when conduction inspections:

#1    Imminent work accidents about to happen.

#2    Deaths and accidents serious enough to send 3+
         workers to the hospital.

#3    Worker complaints.

#4    Referrals from other government agencies

#5    Employers that report high injury and illness rates

#6    Follow-up inspections.

What are the OSHA standards used for compliance?
OSHA standards are set forth in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). OSHA regulations can be found in Parts 1904, 1910 and 1926.

What is the penalty for a OSHA non-compliance violation?
OSHA penalties can go up to $70,000, depending upon how likely the violation is to result in serious harm to workers. Serious violations may have penalties up to $7,000, while repeat and willful violations can penalties up to $70,000.

Are OSHA posters required in all workplaces?
Yes, all businesses with employees must display an official federal or state OSHA poster that educates employees on their safety and health rights.

What are the record-keeping requirements needed for OSHA compliance?
Employers with 11 or more employees must keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Low-hazard industries such as retail, service, finance, insurance, and real estate are exempt from OSHA record keeping compliance.

For more information on OSHA and Ergonomics go to ;

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety & Health Administration