The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Over the history of time, there have always been work related issues between employers and employees. Even after President Lincoln’s abolishment of slavery and the passing of legislation dealing with the Equal Rights and discrimination, work related issues dealing with health and safety have been developed and questioned by the Government. As technology increases, more jobs become available and create larger work forces, which increases the probability of arising occupational health and safety issues. In response to the growing demand for such assistance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was formed.
Created by “Congress under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, 1970, its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by issuing and enforcing rules (called standards) for workplace safety and health.” (wikipedia.com) The creation of this Administration had created standards and requirements for all industries in the United States and has been in effect since April 28, 1971.
The history of safety legislation dates back to the Progressive period of the United States.
“In 1893, Congress passed the Safety Appliance Act, the first federal statute to require safety equipment in the workplace (the law applied only to railroad equipment, however).[4] In 1910, in response to a series of highly-publicized and deadly mine explosions and collapses, Congress established the federal Bureau of Mines to conduct research into mine safety (although the Bureau had no authority to regulate mine safety).[6] Backed by trade unions, many states also enacted workers' compensation laws ...