Did you know that today is "Chaos Never Dies Day?" Well, it is, so let's get over it. Speaking of chaos never dying, OSHA is one organization that has its hands full, even with a downturned economy. But who in the heck is OSHA?
This may seem like a stupid post to veterans in the industry, but with the alarming rate of workplace and fall protection fines being doled out, it would appear a whole mess of people have no idea who the hell OSHA is...
I like to call them Big Brother, but in reality, they are a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA was born in 1970 when it was signed into effect with the Occupational Safety and Health Act by one Richard Nixon. I'm sure you've heard of him before... He was a president for those of you looking blankly at the screen right now.
OSHA also has a baby it named NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). Although, not a part of the Dept. of Labor, NIOSH is really a research agency.
What does OSHA do? Besides handing out fines? Well, they are pretty much the police for unsafe working environments. They publish the rules, when to tie off and when not to, and then they bust your ass if you're not following their rules.
Sure, it can seem like big brother, but in reality, if you own a business and don't want to keep your employees safe... Well, I guess you're just a dick. If a little extra scratch is worth more to you than somebody's life, may God have mercy on your soul.
Anyway, there's a brief introduction to OSHA for you, but more importantly protect yourselves regardless of what OSHA says.
