FOREWORD This compilation of selected labor laws is a document that will be extremely useful to Members of Congress and their staff in the consideration of pending and future legislation in the labor-management area. Other interested individuals will also find this an excellent publication. It includes in most cases a summary and description which explains in laymen's language what the particular law is and how it works. The series consists of three parts: Labor Relations; Labor Standards and Equal Employment Opportunity; and Employee Benefits and Safety and Health. CONTENTS Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (Taft-Hartley) – Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum- 9 37 Executive Order 11247-Providing for the coordination by the At- torney General of enforcement of title VI of the Civil Rights Act Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 (Pertinent provisions) 681 685 (IV) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1970 29 U.S.C. 651-678, 84 Stat. 1590 (1970) Summary and Description PURPOSE OF THE LAW The declared Congressional purpose and policy of this Act is "to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources." COVERAGE The law applies to every employer engaged in a business affecting commerce who has employees. It applies in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Wake Island, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands, Johnston Island, and the Canal Zone. Federal, State and local government employees are specifically excluded from coverage, but may be covered by equally effective require ments. In addition, the Act specifically provides that its terms shall not apply to working conditions protected under other Federal occupational safety and health laws (such as those under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act; and under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, including State agreements under that Act). DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES Each employer under the Act has the general duty to furnish each of his employees employment and places of employment, free from recognized hazards causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm; and the employer has the specific duty of complying with safety and health standards promulgated under the Act. Each employee has the duty to comply with these safety and health standards, and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct. ADMINISTRATION Administration and enforcement of the Act are vested primarily in the Secretary of Labor and in a new agency, the Occupational Safety (689) |