Employee Safety and Health

Occupational Safety and Health Act and Administration

• “each employer shall furnish to each of his (or her) 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 (or her) employees.”

• Accidents• Illness (abnormal condition or disorder caused

by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment

• Inspections• Citations ($5,000 - $70,000)• Penalties $1.5 million for willful, serious or

repeated serious violations.• $7,000 per day for failure to correct• Both employer and employee have

obligations under the law.

Reduce Accidents

• Selection and Placement

• Training• Emphasis on safety• Employee

participation• Employer inspections

Other Significant Workplace Issues• Industrial Hygiene (Asbestos)• Infectious Disease

– Travel abroad (SARS, Ebola)• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse• Stress (Employee Selection)• Burnout• Depression• Computer Usage (Eye strain and

carpal tunnel syndrome)• AIDS• Smoking• Violence• Security