This material is for training purposes only. Its purpose is to inform Oregon employers of best practices in occupational safety and health and general Oregon OSHA compliance requirements. This material is not a substitute for any provision of the Oregon Safety Employment Act or any standards issued by Oregon OSHA. For more information on this online course and other OR-OSHA online training, visit the Online Course Catalog.

COURSE INTRODUCTION

According to the OSHA Act (see below) every employer has a legal obligation to provide and maintain a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. This course has been developed to help you meet that obligation.

Excerpt: Public Law 91-596, 91st Congress, S. 2193, December 29, 1970

An Act

To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education and training in the field of occupational safety and health; and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the 'Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970'.

Sec. (2) The Congress finds that personal injuries and illnesses arising out of work situations impose a substantial burden upon, and are a hindrance to, interstate commerce in terms of lost production, wage loss, medical expenses, and disability compensation payments.

(b) The Congress declares it to be its purpose and policy, through the exercise of its powers to regulate commerce among the several States and with foreign nations and to provide for the general welfare, to assure so far as possible every working man and women in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.

(1) by encouraging employers and employees in their efforts to reduce the number of occupational safety and health hazards at their work places of employment, and to stimulate employers and employees to institute new and to perfect existing programs for providing safe and healthful working conditions;

(2) by providing that employers and employee have separate but dependent responsibilities and rights with respect to achieving safe and healthful working conditions.

Sec (5). Each Employer -

(1) 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;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this act.
(b) Each employer shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.

Taking risks is part of running a business. You take risks in product development, marketing, and advertising in order to stay competitive. But there are some risks that should never be taken. One of these risks is the safety and health of the employees in the company.

Getting Started

Study the seven key elements of an effective safety and health program covered in this course, and come up with a plan to suit your individual workplace. Decide exactly what you want to accomplish, and determine what steps are necessary to achieve your goals. Some of the elements may already exist, needing only minor changes to make them more effective.

Next, plan how and when each step will be carried out and who will do it. If your company has a safety committee, its members can be a great help in this effort.

Put the plan in writing. It's smart to put your plan in writing so everyone can read it and get involved.

OK, let's if you're ready, go to Module One.

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