Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health (pronounced: /ɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈseɪfti ænd hɛlθ/) refers to the field of study that aims to identify, prevent, and control health and safety hazards in the workplace.
Etymology
The term "Occupational Safety and Health" is derived from the English language. "Occupational" refers to anything related to one's occupation or job. "Safety" refers to the condition of being protected from harm or other non-desirable outcomes. "Health" refers to the state of being free from illness or injury.
Related Terms
- Occupational Disease: A disease resulting from the nature of employment.
- Occupational Hazard: A risk or danger inherent to a particular occupation.
- Workplace Safety: The working environment at a company and encompasses all factors that impact the safety, health, and well-being of employees.
- Ergonomics: The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
- Industrial Hygiene: The science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers' injury or illness.
Overview
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work. The goals of OSH programs include fostering a safe and healthy work environment and protecting co-workers, family members, employers, customers, and others who might be affected by the workplace environment.
OSH may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, and many others who might be affected by the workplace environment. In the United States, the term occupational health and safety is referred to as occupational health and occupational and non-occupational safety and includes safety for activities outside of work.
Legislation
In many countries, including the United States, occupational safety and health is regulated by law. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is a U.S. labor law governing the federal law of occupational health and safety in the private sector and federal government in the United States. It was enacted by Congress in 1970 and was signed by President Richard Nixon on December 29, 1970.
See Also
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Occupational Safety and Health Act
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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