Unit 5 Discussion LS312 Hero or Villain?

OSHA’s mission statements assure safety and healthful conditions for workers, particularly by providing and enforcing specific standards while providing training outreach, assistance, and, most importantly, education. As a result, OSHA focuses on regulating safety in workplaces, thus building a good relationship between employers and employees. Based on Martin’s article, Mr. Nader believes OSHA is not succeeding. Besides, his opinion plays a major role in holding reasonable credibility. Technically, Mr. Nader is a consumer advocate, yet it does not mean OSHA is bad or good. Instead, it means controversial (Martin, 1983).

Without OSHA, there is a possibility that most employers would relax and avoid making extra efforts to improve safety in the work environment. Logically, OSHA plays a major role in providing different and important resources, training, and information crucial in protecting employees, particularly in some of the most dangerous working environments where heavy machinery and chemicals are involved. Technically, all employees have the right to be protected under OSHA’s regulations to ensure they are protected. As a result, employers are responsible for explaining to their employees where OSHA’s manual is and, most importantly, providing a clear explanation related to important measures and considerations related to the workplace (Oudiz, 2010). 

As a manager, I would appreciate an OSHA inspector if he or she showed up unannounced. OSHA regulations play an important role in protecting workers and ensuring the effective performance and productivity of an organization. If a manager shows up unannounced, I could consider it an opportunity to improve possible areas that might need improvements or changes based on the inspection made by the OSHA inspectors. This opportunity will therefore be important in improving the general safety of the workplace to improve the safety of workers.          

References

Martin, T. (1983). Nader Says OSHA is Shackled Now. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/05/us/nader-says-osha-is-shackled-now.html

Oudiz, J. (2010). Views of a Cal/OSHA inspector. NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, 19(4), 493-501.