Protecting Workers - Progress but a Long Way to Go

摘要

In 1970, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, with the goal of providing workers a protected place to work. The law didn't just happen - it took decades of struggles by unions and workers, and only came following workplace and environmental tragedies. It became part of a wave of federal legislation to protect workers, the public, and the environment from harm. Like many of the environmental laws enacted at the time, it was based upon a foundation of setting and enforcing protective standards, with the federal government - in this case the Department of Labor - given the responsibility to carry out the law in collaboration with the states. In addition, the OSH Act gave workers and their representatives important new rights, including filing complaints, requesting onsite inspections, and having a voice in safety and health in the workplace.