The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within the Department of Labor and encouraged employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards and to implement safety and health programs. The Act gave employees many new rights and responsibilities.

This course discusses these rights and responsibilities and encourages employees to work cooperatively with employers to promote safe and healthy workplaces that add value to everyone: businesses, workplaces, and workers' lives. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the Courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements.