OSHA & ANSI Standards
What is the "General Duty Clause"
The "General Duty Clause" is found in Section 5. Duties of The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
The "General Duty Clause" defines the responsibilities of the employer and brings almost anything that could pose a hazard to the well-being of the employee under the responsibility of the employer, even if it is not specifically listed in the OSHA Standards.
As an employer, you must recognize known hazards, anticipate potential hazards, and provide protection to employees from all known and potential hazards, including the employees themselves and their co-workers.
The goal of employee safety training programs should be to achieve and maintain an accident free, zero defects workplace!
(a) Each employer --
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees 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 his employees;
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OSHA 1910.178(l)(3) contains a listing of the truck-related and workplace-related topics that are required to be included when training powered industrial truck operators.
Download and or print our Acrobat document which contains this list in a checklist form so that you can verify that your program complies with the requirements of the OSHA Standard.