What is the purpose of OSHA’s “General Duty Clause”?

The General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. This clause serves as a broad mandate to ensure safety in the workplace, mandating that employers proactively identify and mitigate any dangers that could potentially harm workers. The emphasis is on recognized hazards, which means that the employer is responsible for any risks that are commonly known in the industry or that the employer is aware of, ensuring that employees have a fundamental right to a safe work environment. This overarching responsibility helps to reinforce the idea that safety is a priority in all aspects of workplace management.