OSHA Act

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

§ LEGISLATIONlabor· 1970

SignedDecember 29, 1970PresidentRichard Nixon (R)Congress91st · House: D · Senate: D

What It Did

Created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to set and enforce workplace safety and health standards. Established workers' right to a safe workplace and required employers to comply with federal safety regulations or face penalties.

The Vote

House · 383–5 (conference report)

228 YEA · 2 NAY

155 YEA · 3 NAY

Senate · 83–3 (passage)

52 YEA · 1 NAY

31 YEA · 2 NAY

Key Sponsors

→ Harrison A. Williams (D-NJ) · Senate

→ William A. Steiger (R-WI) · House

→ Fair Labor Standards Act 1938

→ Wagner Act 1935

Sources: Congress.gov · VoteView · FRED

In the Years Following

Economic indicators related to this law, showing 5 years before through 10 years after.

Avg Hourly Earnings (Production)

Productivity (Output/Hour)

Labor Force Participation

Many factors influence economic outcomes. This chart shows trends in the years surrounding this legislation — not necessarily caused by it.