OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAEasy
A construction company is planning a new project and wants to ensure they are fully compliant with OSHA regulations from the outset. Which of the following is an employer's primary responsibility under the OSH Act?
- ATo provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
- BTo conduct weekly safety meetings with all subcontractors.
- CTo provide all employees with a comprehensive health insurance plan.
- DTo ensure that all employees receive annual pay raises.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. To provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act (Section 5(a)(1)) explicitly states that each employer 'shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.'
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While safety meetings are good practice, the primary responsibility is the condition of the workplace itself, not just meetings.
- C. While beneficial, health insurance is not a direct requirement under the OSH Act.
- D. Pay raises are a matter of compensation and labor agreements, not an OSHA requirement.
Employer General Duty
Under the OSH Act's General Duty Clause, employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
- Applies even if no specific OSHA standard exists.
- Hazards must be 'recognized' by the industry or employer.
- Hazards must be 'likely to cause death or serious physical harm'.
Memory trick: Freedom from hazards, that's the employer's first call, protecting one and all.