Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHAct)

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHAct) of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. The OSHAct encourages employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards, to maintain accurate and proper recordkeeping systems that monitor injuries and illnesses, to develop mandatory job safety and health standards, and to enforce those standards.

The OSHAct requires every employer to furnish a workplace free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious injury or physical harm to employees. Also, employers are required to have posters in the workplace and to generally keep its employees informed about the OSHAct and the various health and safety matters with which the employees are involved.

Employers of 11 or more employee must maintain records of occupational illnesses and injuries.