Specific Requirements of the Act

Employers are responsible for knowing the standards applicable to their establishments. When an OSHA inspection is performed, the assumption made is that the employer is aware of the law and has already attempted to comply with it. Any violations are subject to corrective legal action, typically consisting of fines. Employees must also comply with all rules and regulations that are applicable to their own actions and conduct. It is the employer s responsibility to ensure 

The general duty clause extends OSHA s authority beyond the specific requirements of the standards when a recognized workplace hazard exists or potentially exists. It is often used when no specific standard applies to a recognized hazard in the workplace. The general duty clause has been used as the basis for numerous OSHA citations. Millions of dollars are collected as a result of these citations. Few other sections of the OSHA standards (Parts 1910 and 1926) cost more in penalties for OSHA violations than Section 5(a)(1). OSHA may also use the general duty clause when a standard exists, but it is clear that the hazards involved warrant additional precautions beyond what the current safety standards require. 

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