Introduction to OSHA





This introductory course outlines the history and mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and why it is important to workers. It provides learners with a basic understanding of employee rights and employer responsibilities under OSHA and how to read OSHA standards. It also explains the OSHA inspection process and introduces learners to a variety of safety and health resources that they may find useful or necessary on the job.

The course was developed and reviewed with subject matter support provided by certified subject matter experts and industry professionals. Please note, the course materials and content were current with the laws and regulations at the time of the last expert review, however, they may not reflect the most current legal developments. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation with respect to compliance with legal statutes or requirements.



Employees working in various fields covered by OSHA regulations, including but not limited to manufacturing, construction, longshoring, agriculture, law, medicine, charity, and disaster relief


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Introduction to OSHA

  • describe OSHA's mission
  • recognize the types of workers who are covered by OSHA
  • find referenced standards in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
  • identify the basic rights of employees under OSHA
  • identify OSHA's general requirements for employers
  • recognize your employer's obligations to workplace safety under the OSH Act
  • identify the extent of your right to receive health and safety training
  • identify kinds of PPE that your employer must provide and pay for under OSHA regulations
  • identify which OSHA recordkeeping files you can access on request from your employer
  • recognize your employers' recordkeeping responsibilities under OSHA regulations
  • sequence OSHA workplace safety inspections in order of priority
  • identify what happens at each stage of the OSHA inspection process
  • recognize when employees have the right to refuse to work under OSHA regulations
  • recognize how OSHA protects your right to request a hazard correction in the workplace
  • file a complaint with OSHA
  • recognize your rights related to your ability to participate in an OSHA inspection at the workplace
  • find resources that will provide you with the information you need concerning health and safety issues in the workplace


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