OSHA

• OSHA was established in 1970 along with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and its goal is to maintain workplace safety by enforcing standards and provide training, education and assistance. It is overseen by the Assistant Secretary of Labor, who answers to the Secretary of Labor.
  
  

Coverage

• OSHA's reach covers both employers and their employees through an agency-approved state program. All state programs must meet or exceed OSHA's standards for work safety and health. Those who aren't covered by OSHA or by OSHA sub-agencies include the self-employed, immediate family members of farm employers, and workers who are protected by other federal agencies.
  
  

Workers' Rights

• Employees protected under OSHA have a right to safe working environments. This means workers have a right to be informed of all potential hazards of a workplace, and must be trained for their jobs in languages they understand. Any work complaints and questions filed to OSHA are also kept confidential to protect a worker's anonymity.