OSHA’s Mission
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970 was enacted to protect workers from being killed or seriously injured on the job. Under this law, employers are required to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm.
President Richard Nixon signed the OSH Act into law in 1970, establishing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s primary purpose is to set and enforce workplace safety and health standards while providing training, education, and assistance to employers and employees.
OSHA’s mission is clear — to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America’s workforce. The OSH Act guarantees workers the right to a safe workplace, and it is the employer’s duty to ensure that work environments meet this standard.
OSHA and its state partners employ approximately 2,100 professionals, including inspectors, engineers, physicians, educators, and other technical staff. Operating from over 200 offices nationwide, this team develops and enforces safety standards, conducts workplace inspections, and provides technical assistance and outreach programs to improve compliance and awareness.
Some of OSHA’s key responsibilities include:
- Developing and enforcing occupational safety and health standards through on-site inspections.
- Offering training and educational programs to promote workplace safety and health awareness.
Despite significant progress in occupational safety since the creation of OSHA, workplace injuries and fatalities remain a concern. According to recent data:
- 5,486 workers lost their lives on the job in 2022.
- An average of 15 workers die every day due to work-related incidents.
- Private industry employers reported 2.8 million recordable workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022.