"The goal of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women in the nation. This Act, which established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the Department of Labor, provides for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health and authorizes enforcement of OSHA standards.

The act covers more than 90 million employees throughout the United States. This landmark legislation, the first national safety and health law, establishes standards requiring employers to provide their workers with workplaces free from recognized hazards that could cause serious injury or death. It also requires the employees to abide by all safety and health standards that apply to their jobs."

29 USC 654. Duties
(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.”

--Source, OSHA, 1995