Running Head: OSHA’s PURPOSE AND SUCCESS 1

OSHA’s Purpose and Success

Name

Institution

Author Note
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Introduction

OSHA, an American state agency responsible for implementing occupational safety and

health standards, stands for the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Osha’s Success

Osha’s success is traced back to companies that have been cited for ergonomic hazards under the

General Duty Clause. In this clause, both the employer and the employee are expected to comply

with all the occupational, safety and health standards. Even if there are no specific guidelines for

an individual company, the employer is still obliged under the General Duty Clause, section

5(a)(1) to keep the working environment hazard free (Tweedy 2002).

Feasibility of Implementing an OSHA Standard for Ergonomics

Ergonomic hazards comprise of all physical factors which cause harm to the musculoskeletal

system such as an uncomfortable work station (Tweedy 2002). Since the cost of executing

ergonomics requirements is quite huge it can be avoided by implementing ergonomic principles.

Industry Concerns and Benefits from each Method Undertaken

Agriculture

Ergonomic tips in reducing farm-related injuries yields more efficient and effective

production (Cohen & Peterson 2006). The employer can order inexpensive farm tools or modify

the existing ones to reduce farm injuries caused by new appliances.

Manufacturing

Musculoskeletal disorders such as back injuries and carpel tunnel syndrome dominate.

Establishment of an ergonomic process reduces these risks (Tweedy 2002)

Areas to be Addressed by OSHA for Further Guideline Development

Employee Emergency Plans

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There should be a structured emergency action plan addressing fire hazard. It is

necessary to note all the procedures and equipment including all evacuation methods of plans in

this process (Cohen & Peterson 2006).

Personal Protective Equipment

There is need to train all employees in their sections according to their levels of specialization

and the equipment they handle (Moran & Moran 1995).

General Health and Safety

Fully equipped first aid kit must be available in approved grounded storage cabinets.

The area must be sufficiently lit. Seat belts must be worn in all off-highway vehicles like

tractors. Regular inspections can also be done and reports of the inspections carefully filed

(Cohen & Peterson 2006).

Conclusion

Many American workplaces are addressing the problem of MSDs. With OSHA in place,

many employees have realized the importance of preventing injuries in workplaces. More

awareness should be enhanced to reduce ergonomic hazards.

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References

Cohen Joel M., Peterson Robert D. The Complete Guide to OSHA Compliance. (2006). All

about OSHA. [Washington, D.C.].

Moran, R., & Moran, M. (1995). The OSHA 500. Orange Park, FL (1279 Kingsley Avenue, Suite

113, Orange Park, FL 32073): Moran Associates.

Tweedy James T. U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

(2002). OSHA inspections. [Washington, D.C.].