Introduction
Labor laws define the relationship between employers and their employees. It also influences employee turnover in an organization. Employment conditions are therefore essential in determining safety as well as protection of workers against work-related risks. In this regard, most countries have established agencies to oversee employee status, which includes safety and health. In the United States, the agency established for this purpose is known as (OSHA) Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It was initiated in 1970 and signed into law by President Nixon. The agency is placed under the Department of Labor. It was created under the Occupational Safety and Health act. This paper will endeavor to review OSHA and establish its source of funding as well as the possible future changes in its operation (Cross & Miller, 2008, p. 65).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
This is an agency, which was created in the United States under the department of labor in 1970. It was signed under the occupational Safety and Health act by President Nixon on December 30 in the same year. The agency serves its mission, which is to prevent or ensure safe and healthy conditions of work for all employees. To do this, they set standards that regulate workers’ conditions as well as ensure that they are fully implemented. They also enhance the achievement of this mission by offering training, assistance, outreach, as well as education to the relevant organizations, individuals, and departments. Since this agency is part of the Department of Labor, It is headed by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. The administrator reports to the Secretary of labor. The latter is a member of the United States Cabinet. In essence, this agency defines the standards that employers are required to follow to protect their employees from work-related injuries or hazards.
Funding
OSHA is part of the department of labor and this makes it liable for federal funding. In principle, it gets funds from the federal government for its operations in enforcing regulations throughout applicable States under its jurisdiction. Therefore, one source is the federal government as it allocates funds to state programs in its annual budget. The other source of funding for this agency is income through penalties issued to employers that breach regulations. However, these penalties are usually less than the annual budget of OSHA. The remaining balance is then supplemented through state Funding. It is also important to note that penalties charged are usually channeled to the general fund to reduce OSHA’s budget deficits. This way, the agency can meet its obligations in ensuring safe and healthy conditions of work for all employees (High, 2011, p. 1-2).
Possible Future Changes
OSHA has made several steps towards improving its operation and efficiency. This was done through the recently launched department of Labor Strategic plan for the years 2011 to 2016. The aim is to achieve good jobs for everyone and use it to spur changes that would achieve the goal. They plan to be more focused, efficient, and effective to provide the best possible service to the American population. This will be done by measuring the direct impacts of American workers, accountability, as well as the viability of the work done. They are also planning to go green by introducing electronic newsletters (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011, p. 1).
Conclusion
OSHA is an agency, which is part of the Department of Labor and concerns itself with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions of employees in the United Sates. The agency is headed by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, who reports to the secretary of labor. It gets its funding through the federal government and is supplemented by State funding. Its income from penalties is channeled through the general fund to help reduce budget inadequacies. The agency is bracing itself for major changes that include going green, focusing on workers, accountability, and viability of work done (OSHA, 2011, p. 1).
Reference List
Cross, F.B., & Miller, R.L. (2008). The legal environment of business: Text and cases – ethical, regulatory, global, and e-commerce issues. (7th ed.). West: Cincinnati.
High, S.D. (2011). Where does OSHA get its Money? High Safety Consulting Services, LTD. Web.
OSHA. (2011). Occupational Safety and Health Administration. United States Department of Labor. Web.
U.S. Department of Labor. (2011). Department of Labor Strategic Plan FY 2011-2016. United States Department of Labor. Web.