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 Oregon, workplace safety is governed by both federal and state regulations. Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), employers are required to provide a safe working environment that is free of known hazards. This act, found in 29 U.S.C. §651, and its regulations in 29 C.F.R. §1910, established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is responsible for setting and enforcing safety and health standards, as well as offering training and assistance. Oregon operates its own OSHA-approved state plan, known as Oregon OSHA or OR-OSHA, which must be at least as effective as federal OSHA standards. OR-OSHA covers most private sector workers and all state and local government workers in Oregon, providing additional regulations and guidance to ensure workplace safety and health. Employers in Oregon must comply with both federal OSHA regulations and state-specific safety and health laws.