Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), workers have the right to a safe workplace. The OSH Act was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act is located in the United States Code at 29 U.S.C. §651, and the applicable regulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 C.F.R. §1910.
The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. OSHA also provides information, training, and assistance to employers and workers.
And most states have additional laws (statutes) that govern safety and health in the workplace.
In Texas, workplace safety is governed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), as Texas does not have a state-specific occupational safety and health plan approved by OSHA. The OSH Act mandates that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. Employers must comply with OSHA's safety and health standards and are subject to inspections, citations, and penalties if they do not. OSHA also offers various resources, including training and assistance, to help employers and workers understand and comply with the regulations. While Texas follows federal OSHA regulations, it can also have state laws that provide additional protections for workers. However, these would not replace or supersede the federal OSH Act requirements but could potentially enhance or address areas not specifically covered by federal law.
