IntroductionOccupational safety is a commonly used phrase that many do not consider until an accident occurs in the workplace. Workplace injuries occur daily throughout the United States. This has been a problem in the workplace for many years and is still an ongoing problem. Are there laws that protect employees from an unsafe work environment? what is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA); and how did unions influence the law? The following questions, as well as the context and driving force behind OSHA, will be addressed in this document. OSHA Law Definition According to OSHA's website, www.osha.gov, accessed August 27, 2004, it states: “OSHA's mission is to ensure the safety and health of American workers by setting and enforcing standards; provide training, awareness and education; establish partnerships; and encourage continuous improvement of safety and health at work". to their employees a workplace free from recognized hazards that cause and/or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees; prior to enactment employers were bound by common law only to provide a safe working environment for their employees employees. OSHA also requires that employees are not exempt from and must comply with occupational safety and health standards under this Act. Employees must comply with OSHA rules, regulations and orders applicable to their actions and to their conduct (Bennett-Alexander-Hartman: Employment Law for Business, fourth edition, p 690 p. 2-3). began, OSHA's impetus was to develop a new standard for safety and/or health in the workforce. Congress has gathered information indicating that the status quo in the workplace included unacceptable workplace risks. The OSHA law was passed by Congress based on a variety of information gathered through sources such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); reference to the TOSCA law (Toxic Substances Control Act) of the Environmental Protection Agency; public petitions; or requests from OSHA advisory committees. Empowered by knowledge of the risks that exist in the workplace and ...... middle of paper ...... related to workplace safety and are very personally involved, observing legislative decisions, protesting against presidential candidates and making pressures .ConclusionWhile workplace safety and health standards have improved thanks to OSHA, the law's mission is still ongoing for American workers. Both employers and employees are responsible for complying with the rules and regulations of the law. References University of Phoenix. (And.). 2004. Employment Law [University of Phoenix CustomEdition electronic resource]. Bennett-Alexander-Hartman: Employment Law for Business, Fourth Edition. Retrieved August 27, 2004, from University of Phoenix Resource, MGT/434-Employment Law website: https://mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/resource/resource.asp OSHA Home Page August 27, 2004. http:/ / www.osha.gov Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/oshafacts.html Monday, August 30 University of Phoenix. (And.). 2004. Employment Law [University of Phoenix CustomEdition electronic resource]. Bennett-Alexander-Hartman: Employment Law for Business, Fourth Edition. Retrieved August 32, 2004, from the University of Phoenix website, Resource, MGT/434-Employment Law: