Who is responsible for following the general duty clause of the act where OSHA has not set specific standards?

The general duty clause, part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), establishes that employers are responsible for providing a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious harm. This responsibility applies even in situations where OSHA has not established specific standards for a given industry or activity.

Employers are tasked with assessing their work environments and implementing necessary safety measures to protect employees. This can include conducting hazard assessments, providing training, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Thus, when there are no specific safety standards set by OSHA, it is the duty of employers to ensure they create a safe work environment based on recognized risks and industry best practices.

In contrast, employees, contractors, and insurers have different roles; employees are expected to comply with safety guidelines set by their employers, contractors may be bound by contracts that specify safety obligations, and insurers provide coverage but do not directly enforce safety regulations. Therefore, the responsibility outlined in the general duty clause squarely falls on the employers.