Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a United States federal agency that operates under the Department of Labor. Established through the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1971, OSHA's primary mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all workers by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA regulations cover a wide range of industries, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and agriculture, and they address various hazards, including chemical exposure, physical hazards, and ergonomic issues.

OSHA enforces its standards through inspections and investigations, which can be triggered by complaints, referrals, or random selection. During inspections, OSHA compliance officers assess workplace conditions to ensure they meet the required safety and health standards. If violations are found, employers may face penalties, including fines and mandatory corrective actions.

Technology can be a big part of what helps an organization comply with OSHA standards. For example, in manufacturing settings, single sign-on with badge tap access allows staff and contractors to navigate workstations and mobile devices swiftly and securely throughout a facility. The ability to grant specific, personalized access to different employees who use the same computers or devices means organizations can maintain a high level of cyber security – and physical safety – while still ensuring a smooth and productive shift. This system also simplifies access management for temporary or guest workers without sacrificing safety. In addition, access management solutions can create auditable records of access events, enabling organizations to more easily prove compliance.