Why does workplace safety and health matter to you?

Average direct and indirect accident costs (2003):

Injury, no lost time: $7,000*
Lost time injury: $43,000*
Fatality: Over $1 million*  

*Source: Oregon Deparment of Consumer & Business Services (DCBS)

In 2003, 46 people lost their lives in work related incidents in Oregon. By comparison, in 1973 there were 144 deaths in Oregon workplaces - safety and health management programs work to save lives, reduce injuries and promote a stronger economy. Deaths tell a fraction of the workplace safety and health story in Oregon - over 23,000 workers are seriously injured every year and receive disabling claim benefits through the workers' compensation system.

The direct cost of medical care and wage replacement for these injured workers is over $10,000. The indirect costs of workplace injuries are even larger in terms of lost quality of life, personal financial impacts, higher operating costs of business, and decreased profitability. Employers and employees who work together to identify and control hazards on the job can save lives and money while improving business and productivity.

What is Oregon OSHA?

Oregon OSHA (a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services) is the state division responsible for enforcing the Oregon Safe Employment Act and promoting workplace safety and health. Oregon OSHA conducts work site inspections and investigations, provides consultation services, technical assistance, education, training workshops, safety and health resources and grants.

How does Oregon OSHA work?

Oregon OSHA safety and health compliance officers enforce safety and health regulations through unannounced planned inspections, investigations of workplace fatalities and serious injury incidents, and investigates allegations of workplace safety and health violations through complaints or referrals from state, county or local public agencies.

When compliance officers allege that violations of the Oregon Safe Employment Act have occurred, enforcement actions are taken including the issuance of a citation that could contain civil penalties and a requirement to correct hazards.

If you have questions about whether Oregon occupational safety and health regulations apply to you, call 1-800-922-2689, or contact the nearest Oregon OSHA field office.

What is OSHA and its relationship to Oregon OSHA?

The U.S. Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1970 to enforce workplace safety and health standards throughout the country. Under the 1970 Act, States were granted authority to operate their own safety and health programs as long as the state program is at least as effective as federal OSHA. Oregon was granted provisional State Plan authority in 1972, and in 2005 the U.S. Department of Labor granted Final State Plan approval to Oregon, recognizing Oregon as the 17th state to meet the provisions of the 1970 federal Act.

Most workplaces in Oregon are subject to Oregon OSHA jurisdiction. Oregon OSHA works cooperatively in the state with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Federal OSHA enforces standards for federal employees, nonfederal employees working on federal reservations and military bases, Tribal lands, employees working on floating worksites (floating dry docks, fishing boats, construction barges).

Does Oregon OSHA apply to you?

Oregon OSHA regulates most employers and work sites in Oregon. You are under Oregon OSHA jurisdiction if you:

• hire someone to work for you as an employee, including workers from a temporary agency.
• are hired to work for someone as his or her employee.
• own your own business or you are a corporate officer and have elected industrial insurance coverage for yourself.
• have a contract with someone else that primarily involves personal labor, even though you are not required to pay industrial insurance or unemployment insurance premiums.
• have volunteers working for you who receive any benefit or any direct or in-kind compensation.

If you have questions about your unique employment situation, call 1-800-922-2689 or contact the field office nearest you.

Are there other safety and health rules I need to know about?

In addition to standards contained in the Oregon Adminstrative Rules adopted by Oregon OSHA, there are other general Oregon OSHA rules that may apply to employers, depending upon the industry and workplace activities.

How do the Oregon OSHA rules relate to fire, building and electrical codes?

Fire codes: Oregon OSHA rules contain basic requirements for portable fire extinguishers, exit routes, housekeeping, storage, stairs and electrical hazards for the protection of employees in your workplace. Oregon OSHA rules cover the basic requirements to make sure that as an employer you provide a safe and healthy work environment. However, these are not the only rules regarding these items. You will need to check with the fire marshall and local fire authorities to ensure their requirements are met.

Building and electrical codes: Oregon OSHA rules are minimum requirements regardless of when the building was built or remodeled. Buildings must also comply with building and electrical codes at the time of construction. If you remodel, you must comply with the building and electrical codes applicable at that time. You are encouraged to call your local fire, building or electrical authorities to ensure you are in compliance with all applicable rules.

How can Oregon OSHA help employers and employees?

Employers can request assistance from Oregon OSHA safety and health consultation staff for no-cost, confidential consulting services in the workplace. Oregon OSHA safety and health professionals can examine an employers workplace and make recommendations about how to create safer workplaces and comply with Oregon OSHA standards.

Oregon OSHA offers a wide variety of no-cost services:

• Safety and health workshops held in locations throughout the state.
• A comprehensive safety and health video lending library.
• Safety and health publications geared for both employer and employee.
• A Web site with on-line publications and learning opportunities.
• Safety and Health consultations available for employers.