Federal OSHA turns 50!
Established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Federal OSHA originated on April 28, 1971. In its first half-century, OSHA has helped transform America’s workplaces in ways that have significantly reduced workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. Notable national events found Federal OSHA staff working along with state partners to protect the safety and health of America’s workers during such events as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. OSHA also helped protect workers performing response and cleanup activities in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.
The new decade began with a challenge unlike any other faced by the American workforce as the coronavirus pandemic impacted workplace safety and health in unprecedented ways. Along with these historical events, Federal OSHA works tirelessly every day to protect America’s workforce. Even with the dramatic improvements to workplace safety over the last five decades, Federal OSHA’s mission to protect workers is as important as ever. Please join VOSH and our Federal OSHA partners in making a renewed commitment to keeping workers safe and healthy.