Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), workers have the right to a safe workplace. The OSH Act was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act is located in the United States Code at 29 U.S.C. §651, and the applicable regulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 C.F.R. §1910.
The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. OSHA also provides information, training, and assistance to employers and workers.
And most states have additional laws (statutes) that govern safety and health in the workplace.
In Florida, workplace safety is governed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), as the state does not have its own federally approved occupational safety and health regulatory program. Under the OSH Act, employers are required to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This includes adhering to standards and regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is responsible for enforcing safety and health legislation. OSHA's regulations cover a wide range of hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, mechanical dangers, excessive noise levels, and unsanitary conditions. While Florida follows federal OSHA standards, employers and workers in the state can also benefit from OSHA's resources such as information dissemination, training, and assistance programs designed to improve workplace safety and health. It's important for employers to stay informed about both federal and any applicable local regulations to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment.