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ARTICLE · 31 JULY 2013

When OSHA Comes To Dine It Doesn't Make Reservations

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The Occupational Health and Safety Administration establishes and enforces workplace safety regulations in several industries, including restaurants.

United StatesEmployment and HR
FordHarrison LLP
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The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) establishes and enforces workplace safety regulations in several industries, including restaurants. Under the Obama administration, OSHA has undertaken several new enforcement initiatives that have a wide-ranging impact on employers in the restaurant industry. The best way to insulate your restaurant from citations or fines is to know your rights and obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the OSH Act). This article will provide you with some background information and a few tips to help you and your restaurant be prepared if OSHA comes calling.

Background

The OSH Act is designed to "assure . . . every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions . . . ."  29 U.S.C. 651(b). The Act applies to all employment performed in any workplace in the U.S. that has one or more employees. OSHA is tasked with writing and enforcing regulations to meet the goals of the Act.

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