Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

A federal agency within the United States Department of Labor responsible for establishing and enforcing workplace safety and health regulations.

 

Workplace Hazard:

Any condition, substance, or practice that has the potential to cause harm to employees, leading to injuries or illnesses.

 

Compliance Officer:

An OSHA representative responsible for inspecting workplaces to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations.

 

Citation:

A formal notice issued by OSHA to an employer for violations of safety and health standards, outlining required corrective actions.

 

Hazard Communication Standard (HCS):

OSHA’s standard requiring employers to inform and train employees about hazardous chemicals in the workplace through labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and training programs.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO):

Procedures to control hazardous energy sources during maintenance or servicing of machinery and equipment, preventing unexpected startup or release of stored energy.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Equipment and clothing worn by employees to protect against workplace hazards, such as gloves, safety glasses, and respirators.

 

Respiratory Protection Program:

A comprehensive program ensuring proper selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment when workplace hazards cannot be eliminated.

 

Confined Space:

A workspace with limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, or potential hazards, requiring specific safety measures and training for workers.

 

Emergency Action Plan (EAP):

A written plan outlining procedures for responding to workplace emergencies, including fires, chemical spills, and natural disasters.

 

Bloodborne Pathogens:

Infectious microorganisms present in human blood that can cause diseases, with OSHA standards designed to protect workers from exposure.

 

Whistleblower Protection:

Legal provisions protecting employees from retaliation for reporting workplace safety and health concerns to OSHA.

 

Recordable Incident:

An occupational injury or illness that meets specific criteria requiring employers to record and report the incident to OSHA.