OROSHA Online Course 100: Course Introduction Page 1 of 2

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.

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

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OROSHA Online Course 100: Course Introduction Page 2 of 2
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

l 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.

l 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.

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

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