Module 1: Introduction to OSHA, Worker Rights, and Employer Responsibilities

Source: Kankakee Community College

Description

This foundational module provides an overview of OSHA’s mission, worker rights, employer responsibilities, and the general framework of OSHA standards.

  1. Introduction to OSHA:
    • History
    • Mission
    • Scope
    • Coverage
  2. Worker Rights:
    • Protection under OSHA
    • Whistleblower protections
    • Right to report hazards
  3. Employer Responsibilities:
    • Maintaining a safe workplace
    • Providing safety training
    • Complying with OSHA regulations

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand OSHA’s purpose and general structure.
  2. Identify worker rights and employer responsibilities under OSHA.
  3. Recognize common violations and employer obligations.

Instructive Materials

Videos:

  • Introduction to OSHA and Worker Rights
  • Employer Responsibilities Overview

Readings:

  • OSHA Act of 1970
  • OSHA Worker Rights and Employer Responsibilities guide (OSHA 3021)

Interactive Activity

  • OSHA website exploration and review of major standards

Formative Assessment

  1. Quiz: Key OSHA standards, worker rights, and employer responsibilities.
  2. Discussion: Students share examples of unsafe work practices and how OSHA addresses these concerns.

Summative Assessment

Included in the final exam, covering basic OSHA functions and compliance requirements.

Resources

Outreach Trainer Guide: Introduction to OSHA, 1 hour presentation

Formative Assessment 1: Introduction to OSHA

Key

Formative Assessment 2: OSHA Act of 1970

Key

Formative Assessment 3: OSHA Worker Rights

Key

Formative Assessment 4: Employer Responsibilities

Key

Summative Assessment

Key

Module 1 Resources

About OSHA. [Website: https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha]. U.S. Department of Labor. January 2000.

All About OSHA. [Pamphlet: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/all_about_OSHA.pdf]. U.S. Department of Labor. 2023.

Employer Responsibilities. [Website: https://www.osha.gov/workers/employer-responsibilities]. U.S. Department of Labor. January 2000.

Introduction to OSHA Video. [Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pyfxFCDrrc].]. GreggU. March 15, 2020.

Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law! [Poster: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/osha3165-8514.pdf]. U.S. Department of Labor. 2019.

Occupational Safety and Health Act. [Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlX-qKWuYxM].]. GreggU. March 14, 2020.

OSH Act of 1970. [Website: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/completeoshact]. U.S. Department of Labor. Updated January 1, 2004.

OSHA Workers’ Rights. [Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjnWMQeufI0].]. USDepartmentofLabor. February 26, 2015.

SafetyWorks! Safety Short – Introduction to OSHA. [Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBzwJT9vics].]. MaineDOL. April 27, 2021.

Workers’ Rights. [PSA audio recording: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/workers-rights-psa-english.m4a]. U.S. Department of Labor. February 2004.

Workers’ Rights. [Wallet Card: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3392english-cards.pdf]. U.S. Department of Labor. 2023.

Workers Have Rights. [Poster: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3850.pdf]. U.S. Department of Labor. 2016.