Which law requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) establishes the requirement for employers to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious physical harm. This law, enacted in 1970, sets forth responsibilities for both employers and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure workplace safety. It mandates that employers must identify and correct hazards to promote a safe working environment, ensuring workers have the right to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

The other laws mentioned focus on specific areas related to environmental protection and hazardous materials. For example, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) deals with the management of hazardous waste, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) amend RCRA to address more stringent waste management standards, and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) primarily centers on the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and the creation of public information systems regarding chemical hazards. None of these are specifically aimed at the overall safety of the workplace in the way that the OSH Act is.