The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, known as Public Law 91-596, is the most far-reaching safety and health regulation ever enacted by the federal government. It became effective April 28, 1971. Most states also have an OSHA regulatory board that enforces safety and health regulations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act provides the federal government with an instrument to support, encourage and carry forward into new areas the safety and health activities that American industry pioneered on a voluntary basis. Initially, the Act offered no new standards but has relied on accepted industry-developed standards. The responsibility is to build on what management, labor and government (state and

national) have accomplished in job safety since the early years of this century.

The provisions of OSHA have had a great impact on employers and industry in observing specific safety and health standards. The following is required of employers:

(a) The employer must furnish to each employee, employment and a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to these employees.

(b) Comply with the Occupational Safety and Health standards promulgated by this Act. While the Act covers all industries and most employees, there are many areas that are of specific interest to welding. Much of the healthy and safety information available to the fabricator and consumer has originated with manufacturers of welding equipment and consumables, metals and materials, as well as the professional associations that support these groups.

 

 

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