Frequently Asked Questions About OSHA

This article answers some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about OSHA’s functions, workers’ rights, and employers’ duties.

General Information About OSHA

There’s a lot to know about about the general functions and impact of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Let’s take a look.

What is OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA, is a federal agency that sets national standards to secure the health and safety of American workers. Its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

Congress created this agency through the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and OSHA began operations in 1971. Since then, occupational deaths have been cut by about 60%, and injuries have declined by 42%.

What does OSHA regulate?

OSHA regulates safety and health standards in the workplace. It is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules to ensure safe working conditions.

OSHA also offers education, outreach, assistance, and training to employers and employees. These trainings aim to help them understand how to comply with these rules and prevent them from suffering injuries and health issues in the workplace.

Understanding Workplace Hazards

It’s helpful to understand what constitutes a workplace hazard and the protections that OSHA requires for employers to provide. 

What is the definition of a workplace hazard?

OSHA defines a workplace hazard as any source of possible harm, damage, or adverse health impact on someone or something in workplace conditions. This includes:

• Substances that could expose workers to health issues
• Hazards that risk property or equipment damage
• Conditions that could lead to injuries

Under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, employers are responsible for giving their employees a safe and healthful workplace. All workplaces should be free from serious hazards.

What does OSHA require employers to provide to employees for their protection?

OSHA set a number of standards that mandate employers to provide their employees with personal protective equipment (PPE). OSHA requires this equipment to safeguard employees from work-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.

In general, OSHA requires employers to cover the costs of PPE, and it often includes the following:

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• Safety shoes
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Welding helmets
• Face shields
• Fall protection equipment
• Chemical protective equipment

There are a few exceptions. For example, an employee might have to pay for their own steel-toed work boots if they are recommended, but not required, for the job.

How many work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths occur annually in the United States?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 fatal workplace injuries in 2023. For the same period, employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among U.S. private industry workers.

These numbers show a reduction in workplace injuries and illnesses, with fatalities reduced by 3.7% and other injuries down 8.4% from 2022.

Employer Responsibilities and Duties

It’s important to be aware of the legal obligations and key responsibilities of employers under the OSH Act.

What are employer responsibilities Under the OSH Act?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employer responsibilities under the OSH Act include:

• Inspecting workplace conditions to ensure they comply with OSHA standards
• Ensuring employees have access to equipment and safe tools, which should be appropriately maintained
• Creating and regularly updating operational procedures
• Communicating safety procedures effectively to ensure employees follow health and safety requirements
• Providing safety training to employees in languages and terms that they can understand
• Developing and implementing a written hazard communication program for workplaces involving hazardous chemicals
• Training employees on the risks associated with hazardous chemicals
• Offering training and medical examinations as mandated by OSHA
• Keeping records of work-related illnesses and injuries (employers with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from this requirement)
• Providing employees access to exposure records or medical records

Employers must also follow OSHA’s reporting requirements. They should report work-related fatalities to the local OSHA office within eight hours of the incident. They are also required to report all work-related amputations, inpatient hospitalizations, and eye loss within 24 hours. Employers can reach out by phone at 1-800-321-OSHA.

Who must keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses?

In general, employers with 10 or more employees must keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

In 2024, a new rule took effect requiring certain employers in high-hazard industries to submit an annual report of work-related illnesses and injuries. This rule affects private sector employers with over 100 employees in designated high-hazard industries.

Workplaces in low-hazard industries such as retail, service, finance, insurance, and real estate are exempt from recordkeeping requirements.

OSHA Inspections

OSHA has several issues that take priority. Reports of imminent dangers and incidents about to happen occupy a top spot. They’re also concerned with fatalities or accidents are severe enough to send three or more workers to the hospital.  Employee complaints and referrals from other government agencies are also important.

Targeted inspections, such as the Site-Specific Targeting Program, focus on employers that report high injury and illness rates. Special emphasis programs zero in on hazardous work, such as trenching or equipment such as mechanical power presses. Follow-up inspections are also a priority.

What’s the penalty for violating an OSHA standard?

The penalties for violating OSHA standards may vary depending on the severity and nature of the violation. Penalty amounts are also adjusted each year. As of 2025, the penalties are:

• $5,000 to $70,000 in civil penalties for willful or repeated violations of safety standards
• $7,000 per serious violation of OSHA standards if the employee incurred serious physical harm or was at risk of death
• $7,000 for failure to correct an OSHA violation

In some cases, OSHA discounts penalties. This could occur if an employer has few employees, demonstrates good faith, or has few or no previous violations. However, willful or repeated violations can lead to penalties of more than $160,000.

OSHA citations must be displayed in the work area or near the affected worksite until the employer corrects the violation or for three working days, whichever is longer. The employer should also display abatement tags or verification documents.

What if OSHA inspects my workplace, but I disagree with the findings?

Employers can contest OSHA citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers must file notices of contest within 15 working days of receiving the citation.

Compliance with OSHA Standards

Find out how to access resources to comply with OSHA standards.

How can I get workplace safety training from OSHA?

Contact the nearest OSHA Area Office to speak to a compliance assistance specialist. You can also check out training available at the OSHA Training Institute in the Chicago area or at one of the 20 education centers located at colleges and universities nationwide.

How can I get help from OSHA to fix hazards in my workplace?

If you are an employer, you may contact your state’s OSHA Consultation Program. OSHA provides free on-site assistance in identifying and correcting health hazards or setting up safety and health programs. You can also contact the OSHA Area Office nearest you to speak to the compliance assistance specialist about training and education in job safety and health issues.

Employees can file a complaint directly with OSHA if their employer fails to fix work hazards.

Do I need to put up an OSHA poster in my workplace?

Yes, all employers must post the federal or state OSHA poster to inform their employees about their safety and health rights. You can order a printed copy from the OSHA Publications Office at (800) 321-OSHA or download one in English or Spanish.

How do I file a safety and health complaint?

You or your representative can file a confidential complaint and request an OSHA inspection if you suspect that serious hazards exist in your workplace or you believe that your employer does not comply with OSHA standards.

You have several options for submitting your complaint:

• Written complaint through mail, fax, or email to your local OSHA office
• Online, using the online OSHA form
• Telephone through 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
• In person by visiting your local OSHA office

File the complaint promptly after you notice the hazard.

OSHA Partnerships

The OSHA Strategic Partnership Program is for employers with varied backgrounds, experience, and records in job safety and health. Participants in OSPP share a joint commitment to improving workplace safety and health. These partnerships merge OSHA’s creative ideas and resources with those of stakeholders. OSPP emphasizes training and education in a voluntary, cooperative atmosphere. Tracking results is key to these partnerships.

Have Specific OSHA Questions? Talk to a Local Attorney

Understanding federal OSHA requirements and regulations can be complicated, and each worksite is unique. If you have concerns about workplace safety or OSHA citations, contact an employment law attorney.

Employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees who exercise their rights under the OSH Act, including those who report health and safety violations to OSHA.

An experienced employment attorney can give you tailored legal advice specific to your case. Whether you are an employer or employee, employment attorneys can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under federal law.