In the absence of specific OSHA standards, what must employers follow?

Employers are required to follow the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act when specific OSHA standards do not exist for a particular situation or hazard. This clause mandates that employers provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees, free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. It serves as a foundational requirement that can be used to hold employers accountable for their responsibility to ensure safety, even in the absence of detailed regulations.

This approach encourages employers to actively assess their work environments for potential risks and take necessary measures to mitigate hazards. The General Duty Clause is particularly significant, as it empowers the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to enforce safety regulations where specific guidelines might not exist, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an overall standard of workplace safety.

In contrast, while other options like state regulations or industry best practices may be valuable resources, they do not carry the same regulatory force as the General Duty Clause. Employee handbook guidelines can also assist in outlining workplace policies, but they do not replace the overarching legal obligations set forth by OSHA.