Definition of OSHA

OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the US government under the Department of Labor with the responsibility of ensuring safety at work and a healthful work environment.

OSHA's mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. Since OSHA was created in 1971, occupational deaths in the US have declined by half and injuries by 40%. Nonetheless, in 1999 there were 5.7 million occupational injuries and illnesses among U.S. workers, approximately 6.3 of every 100 workers experienced a job-related injury or illness, and 6,023 workers lost their lives on the job.