OSHA Requirements Related to Safety and Health Programs

Standards

General Duty Clause. Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, requires employers to "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". Section 5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health standards" promulgated under this Act

1910.119(h)(2)(i). The employer, when selecting a contractor, shall obtain and evaluate information regarding the contract employer's safety performance and programs.

Safety and Health Plan for Multi-Employer Worksite.. Each contractor/subcontractor is responsible for compliance with all safety and health protection requirements for their employees. An employer's safety and health plan can be used by contractors/subcontractors at the site if it appropriately addresses their activity and potential safety and health hazards. In general, a site plan organized as a single document, with component sections/appendices covering all tasks, operations, and contractors/subcontractors, may promote use efficiency; enhance completeness, clarity and coordination among all affected parties. (OSHA Letter of Interpretation, Boggs, 1989)

1960.11 Evaluation of occupational safety and health performance. Each agency head shall ensure that any performance evaluation of any management official in charge of an establishment, any supervisory employee, or other appropriate management official, measures that employee's performance in meeting requirements of the agency occupational safety and health program, consistent with the employee's assigned responsibilities and authority, and taking into consideration any applicable regulations of the Office of Personnel Management or other appropriate authority. The recognition of superior performance in discharging safety and health responsibilities by an individual or group should be encouraged and noted.

1960.36 Occupational Safety and Health Committees . The occupational safety and health committees described in this subpart are organized and maintained basically to monitor and assist an agency's safety and health program. These committees assist agencies to maintain an open channel of communication between employees and management concerning safety and health matters in agency workplaces. The committees provide a method by which employees can utilize their knowledge of workplace operations to assist agency management to improve policies, conditions, and practices.

SOURCE: OSHA

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