OSHA is 40

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is marking its 40th anniversary. The administration was formed April 28, 1971 as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act which was signed into law by President Nixon December 29, 1970.

When Congress was first debating the Act, as many as 14,000 work-related fatalities and 2.5 million disabilities were being reported annually. Since then reported workplace fatalities have been reduced by approximately 67%.

Five industries were initially identified by OSHA that reflected inordinate numbers of occurrences: marine cargo handling, roofing and sheet metal, meat and meat products, transportation equipment and lumber and wood products. Additionally, five health hazards were identified: asbestos, lead, silica, carbon monoxide and cotton dust.

RELATED LINKS: OSHA & Worker Texting / Department of Labor Fatal Statistics