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Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Mission Statement

Under the Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created within the Department of Labor to:

-- Encourage employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and implement new or improve existing safety and health programs;

-- Provide for research in occupational safety and health to develop innovative ways of dealing with occupational safety and health problems;

-- Establish "separate but dependent responsibilities and rights" for employers and employees for the achievement of better safety and health conditions;

-- Maintain a reporting and record keeping system to monitor job related injuries and illnesses;

-- Establish training programs to increase the number and competence of occupational safety and health personnel;

-- Develop mandatory job safety and health standards and enforce them effectively; and

-- Provide for the development, analysis, evaluation and approval of state occupational safety and health programs.

While OSHA continually reviews and redefines specific standards and practices, its basic purposes remain constant. OSHA strives to implement its mandate fully and firmly with fairness to all concerned. In all its procedures, from standards development through implementation and enforcement, OSHA guarantees employers and employees the right to be fully informed, to participate actively, and to appeal actions.

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