To whom does the General Duty Clause apply?

The General Duty Clause, which is part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, establishes a fundamental requirement for employers to maintain a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm to employees. It applies to all employers, regardless of their size, type, or industry. This means that whether a business is a large corporation, a small business, or a governmental entity, they all have the responsibility to ensure the safety and health of their workers under this clause.

By encompassing all employers, the General Duty Clause underscores the principle that occupational safety is a universal concern and that every employer has a duty to protect their employees from dangers that are recognized in their specific work environment. This broad applicability is essential in promoting a culture of safety across all sectors and ensures that even smaller businesses are held to the same standards as larger organizations in keeping their workplaces safe.