Disclaimer

This Compliance Assistance product is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The Compliance Assistance product is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with safety and health standards promulgated by OSHA or by a State with an OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause of the Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is a recognized hazard and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or to abate the hazard. However, failure to implement these recommendations is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause. Employers and employees in States with OSHA-approved State plans should contact the State for specific information on State requirements which may differ from Federal requirements.

The Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration maintains this Web site to enhance public access to the Department's information. This is a service that is continually under development. We will make every effort to keep this site current and to correct errors brought to our attention. Errors specifically found in the Hospitals eTool may be reported by calling 202-693-1950.

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