The Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health; and for other purposes.

The purpose of this law is to assure, so far as possible, “safe working conditions” to “every working man in the country.” This is accomplished by the issuing of basic safety and health standards, assigning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employees to inspect workplaces, and forcing industry to reduce or eliminate job hazards by imposing fines for identified violations.