what is the purpose of the osh act?
DEFINITION of 'Occupational Safety And Health Act ' Law passed in 1970 to encourage safer workplace conditions in the U.S. The Occupational Safety and Health Act established the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to set standards and perform inspections at job sites. In some parts of the country, an OSHA-approved state agency helps enforce job safety standards, which must be at least as stringent as federal guidelines.