A U.S. government agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations.
OSHA, part of the United States Department of Labor, is tasked with setting and enforcing standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in various industries, including manufacturing. Through its regulations and guidelines, OSHA mandates safety protocols like machinery safeguarding and airborne contaminant limits, contributing to the reduction of workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
OSHA regulations require machinery with moving parts to have fixed guards to prevent worker injuries, with specific measures like gaps no wider than 6 mm (0.24 inches) required between guard openings.
These regulations are vital in facilities utilizing press machines, conveyor belts, and similar equipment.
OSHA's permissive exposure limit (PEL) for noise is 90 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour workday, necessitating the use of noise-dampening equipment in loud manufacturing environments.
Common in automotive assembly plants and metal fabrication sites.