The Role of OSHA: Ensuring a Safe Work Environment 

When it comes to workplace safety in the United States, few organizations are as vital as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Understanding the role of OSHA can help both employers and employees maintain safe work environments. From construction sites to healthcare facilities, OSHA’s regulations are designed to ensure that workers have access to hazard-free conditions and that employers remain accountable for maintaining health and safety standards.  

What Is OSHA? 

OSHA is a federal regulatory agency that focuses on conditions in the American workplace. Its scope includes both the federal workforce along with most of America's private-sector employers. 

So, what is OSHA's mission? Simply put, this agency aims to ensure that American workers enjoy access to "safe and healthful working conditions" on the job. Furthermore, OSHA strives to keep workplaces "free from unlawful retaliation," especially when workers speak up against unsafe or unfair workplace practices. 

What Does OSHA Do? 

To fulfill its mission of securing a safe and healthy work environment, OSHA sets and enforces a variety of workplace safety and health standards. It also offers resources to help employers and employees make progress toward a shared goal of creating safe workplace environments. 

But because the agency's efforts are not always readily visible to the public, some might wonder what OSHA does. Despite its seemingly narrow focus, this agency accomplishes a great deal on behalf of America's workforce. Specific tasks and initiatives include: 

• Issue regulations to address safety concerns. OSHA develops standards that employers must follow to protect workers from common hazards. These cover a lot of ground but often involve personal protective equipment, fall prevention, or hazard communication. New workplace developments may spark the need for new regulations. Because of this, OSHA consistently evaluates industries to determine where safety gaps and unaddressed concerns exist, keeping in mind the role that new regulations may play in resolving these issues.  

• Enforce workplace standards. To hold employers accountable, OSHA conducts safety inspections, which involve in-depth systematic reviews of safety and health protocols and general workplace conditions. If employers fail to meet strict standards, OSHA may assess fines or citations. Employers may be required to take corrective action or could risk more severe penalties. 

• Respond to employee requests for workplace inspections. Workers have the right to request inspections, especially if they express concerns regarding current health or safety practices within their work environments. Complaints can be filed anonymously, with each complaint evaluated thoroughly to determine whether onsite or offsite inspections are warranted. During these inspections, agency representatives, known as compliance officers, observe work practices, examine equipment, collect samples, and interview workers. 

• Overseeing state-run programs. Many states have established their own safety plans. These must be approved by OSHA, which provides extensive oversight to ensure that state-based safety plans live up to high standards.  

• Conduct whistleblower investigations. OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program addresses concerns surrounding retaliation, particularly for workers who report concerns regarding workplace hazards or safety violations. The agency reviews these complaints and conducts whistleblower investigations to uncover signs of retaliation.  

Which Businesses Does OSHA Regulate? 

OSHA regulates most private sector employers and their workers across the United States, as well as some public sector employers. This includes a wide range of industries such as construction, manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, agriculture, and retail.  

Whether a company has one employee or hundreds, it is generally subject to OSHA regulations if it operates in the private sector. Employers are responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards and complying with OSHA’s safety and health standards relevant to their industry. 

However, there are some exceptions. OSHA does not cover self-employed individuals, immediate family members of farm employers, or certain industries regulated by other federal agencies — such as mining (regulated by MSHA) or transportation (regulated by the Department of Transportation). Additionally, while OSHA sets guidelines for public sector employees, such as those working for state or local governments, enforcement in these areas depends on whether the state has an OSHA-approved State Plan. These plans must be at least as effective as federal OSHA and often extend coverage to public employees not covered by federal rules.  

The Importance of OSHA 

OSHA provides the accountability and support needed to improve safety for all types of workers and prevent them from being harmed. It serves as the foundation for a healthy and productive work environment through four key functions: 

• Safeguards workers health and safety: By setting and enforcing workplace safety standards, OSHA helps reduce the risk of injury, illness, and death on the job. OSHA helps employers comply with these standards through access to training, and free on-site help for small and medium-sized businesses. 

• Encourages workers to voice concerns. Another key function of OSHA is empowering workers to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Employees have the right to request inspections, report hazards, and participate in investigations. This open communication helps identify risks early and supports continuous improvement in workplace practices. 

• Boosts productivity and innovation: When safety and health protocols are followed and hazards are proactively addressed, businesses experience fewer disruptions due to accidents, medical leave, or regulatory penalties. OSHA’s guidelines support a more stable workforce by minimizing downtime and enabling employees to focus on their tasks with greater confidence and peace of mind. 

• Mitigates risk in the workplace. By identifying potential hazards and requiring preventive measures, OSHA helps organizations avoid costly incidents, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Its impact reaches beyond compliance; it builds the foundation for a safer, more resilient workforce. 

Explore OSHA Opportunities with Georgia Tech’s PMOSH Program 

As a workplace safety manager or compliance officer, you have the power to make a difference on behalf of our nation's hardworking communities. Gain the insights and empowerment needed to drive change with the Professional Master's in Occupational Safety and Health (PMOSH) program at Georgia Tech. 

In addition to the PMOSH degree, Georgia Tech serves as an authorized OSHA Training Institute Education Center  and offers  professional development short-courses that can be taken either individually to advance skills and knowledge or completed as part of 11 OSHA certificates. Participants in a certificate program can choose classes from a variety of safety and health topics to meet their professional needs.  Investing in your environmental, health, and safety leadership skills will protect employees and help grow your impact, benefiting your company.   

This is your chance to pursue a meaningful career and streamline this journey through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation. Request more information today to learn about this program and Georgia Tech's other opportunities.