What does the OSHA General Duty Clause state?

The OSHA General Duty Clause is fundamentally about ensuring the health and safety of workers in the United States. It stipulates that employers are obligated to provide a workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards that could potentially harm employees. This clause reinforces the idea that every working man and woman should be provided with safe and healthful working conditions, which is crucial for their well-being and productivity.

This principle is rooted in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which aims to assure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. The General Duty Clause serves as a broad affirmation of the duty that employers hold to protect employees, promoting a safe working environment across various industries.

In contrast, other options address different aspects of workplace policy or rights but do not capture the specific obligations set out in the General Duty Clause. For example, while the notion that everyone has the right to work is essential, the clause specifically focuses on safety rather than employment rights as a whole. Similarly, while it's relevant that the federal government has a role in regulating worksites, the General Duty Clause emphasizes the employer's responsibilities rather than the government's regulatory role. Lastly, although states have some authority to regulate the workplace,