Question

Discuss the historical evolution and laws of occupational safety and health in the U.S. Why is occupational safety and health important to our communities? Provide at least two example scenarios.

Answer 1

Before 1970 regulation of security and safety of work area was not given much attention so workers have to face the consequences of poor workplace safety

In US occupational health and safety began in 1970 by passing the law occupational safety and health act (OSH) ACT. The goal of this act was to provide workers with better safety at their working place and provide a safer working place to all occupation. It address effects like leaking of chemical, toxin hazards due to unsanitary condition at work place such as heat and cold.

In 1971 occupational health and safety association (OSHA) was established as sole body for worker safety. OSHA made various safety standards and Industry guidelines to provide workers full safety.

In 1972 OSHA established a training institution to provide training to safety managing people.

Over years its safety spectrum widened improved safety standards in US

In 1974 they passed 14 carcinogens standard which throws light on industrial toxins that can cause various types of cancer.

In 1980 it covered all workers. In 1982 hazard protection standard came which helps to prevent hazards in industry.

They decrease the number of accidents and trying to improve the standards of workplace.

Reduction in accident rate is seen every year.

Occupational and health safety is every important for community as it prevent workplace related illness, trauma and accident thus it is important for safety of worker. So worker should not be subjected to any harm due to workplace

It saves the cost that would have spent in medical treatment of harm caused due to poorly managed workplace. Thus medical spent is saved.

It prevent accidents which would affect even the surrounding environment . For example - gas leakage from factory can spread in whole city .

Example scenarios

1 - Tesoro refining and marketing company

Location- anacortes, Washington

Ruptured heat exchanger at refinery caused a enormous explosion and killed 7 people. OSHA investigation revealed that accident could be Prevented and routinely proper testing and safety of equipment was checked

2- Deep water horizon accident

Location- gulf of Mexico

Explosion at Offshore oil drilling at gulf result in death on 11 workers and 20 were heavily injured. It resulted in oil spill at seashore . Reports should that safety of equipment was compromised and accident would have been Prevented if safety was properly ensured..