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7 The Hallmarks of All Our Initiatives OSHA/STATE PLANS History tells us that employers do not independently prioritize workers' health and rights over profit. Through the early and mid-1900s, U.S. labor unions and worker advocates struggled to protect workers' rights to orga- nize, improve wages and hours, and mandate health and safety protections. Federal legislation significantly improved the situa- tion by giving labor unions and worker advocates tools to wield in their fights against profit-seek- ing employers. The Occupational Occupational Safety and Health Administration HALLMARKS AND SAFETY INITIATIVES Safety and Health Act, passed in 1971, established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and established a legal requirement for employers to pro- vide "employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm" to employees. OSHA creates and enforces health and safety regulations that protect U.S. workers from hazards like exposure to dangerous chem- icals, fall risks, bloodborne patho- gen exposures, and many other hazards. OSHA is also responsi- ble for enforcing whistle-blower protections under a variety of THE HALLMARKS OF OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY INITIATIVES, WHETHER LEGISLATIVE, REGULA- TORY, OR THROUGH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS ARE: ›› The importance of staffing to health and safety prevention programs. ›› Interactive, hands-on training. ›› Clearly defined RN role and scope of practice. ›› Worker involvement in creating and evaluating employer's injury and illness prevention plan. ›› Stringent documenting and reporting requirements for employers. ›› Prohibitions on discrimination against workers for taking action or filing complaints.