What is the OSHA “General Duty Clause”?

The OSHA “General Duty Clause” is a vital aspect of workplace safety regulation in the United States. It is articulated in the Occupational Safety and Health Act and fundamentally requires employers to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This means that employers have a responsibility to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks that are known within their industry or that could be reasonably expected to arise in the workplace.

The General Duty Clause serves as a broad safety standard that applies when no specific OSHA regulation addresses a particular hazard. This flexibility allows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to hold employers accountable for maintaining a safe working environment, ensuring that health and safety considerations are prioritized. By enforcing this clause, OSHA seeks to create a culture of safety and accountability within the workplace.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of workplace safety and are not defined by the General Duty Clause. For instance, while documenting workplace injuries is essential for safety management, it is not covered under this clause. Similarly, although safety training and safety inspection procedures are important, they are governed by separate regulations and policies rather than being specifically dictated by the General Duty Clause.