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DRAMA OF INFINITE ACTS

This article discusses certain aspects of the regulations arising as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and what will be required of the professional safety engineer in interpreting and carrying out those regulations. An initial problem is the adoption of existing National consensus standard specifications which were intended only as advisory, not mandatory, but which, to save time, were incorporated into OSHA regulations. Such specifications have not necessarily been adequately tested in the workplace just because they were advisory, and sometimes make compliance very difficult. This has led to confusing ad hoc decisions by OSHA inspectors. For most purposes, performance standards are recommended, which would look to the effectiveness of the result rather than a detailed specification of the means. It is reported that performance standards have worked well under Britain's Health and Safety at Work Act. The professional safety engineer must assume leadership in promoting safety programs, because OSHA does not require them, as such; he must study in depth OSHA standards and regulations, and how to interpret them; he must contribute data and experience through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH), which provides research and advice under OSHA; he must be able to assist management in handling OSHA citations, and try to work with OSHA and NIOSH people.

  • Corporate Authors:

    National Safety Council

    425 North Michigan Avenue
    Chicago, IL  United States  60611
  • Authors:
    • Pardee, J M
  • Publication Date: 1976-1

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00147509
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Engineering Index
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Feb 16 1977 12:00AM