what is the occupational safety and health act 
the occupational safety and health act is a law passed by the u s congress in 1970 to ensure safe workplace conditions around the country it established the federal occupational safety and health administration osha which sets and enforces workplace health and safety standards understanding the occupational safety and health actsigned into law by president richard nixon in dec 1970 the occupational safety and health act commonly called the osh act was enacted to create safe working conditions by authorizing standard work practices congress found that workplace personal injuries and illnesses contributed to a decline in production and wages plus an increase in medical expenses and disability compensation the act is designed to ensure that workers are protected from hazards that may affect their safety and health such as exposure to toxic chemicals damaging noise thermal stressors and unsanitary conditions to aid states and other u s territories in the adoption of safe and healthful working conditions the act provided for related research education and training most states partially or fully control the occupational health and safety standards for their employees the occupational safety and health act established two major entities the osh act covers most private sector employers and their workers in addition to some public sector employers and workers in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority individuals not protected by the law include self employed individuals workers on small family farms and those working in an industry regulated by a separate federal agency on november 4 2021 osha issued an emergency temporary standard that mandates businesses with more than 100 workers to require vaccinations against covid 19 or face regular testing and that businesses offer employees paid time off to get vaccinated 