IMPORTANT FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS* CONCERNING
EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OPERATIONS.
*(This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of the following federal laws and regula-
tions. It is not intended as a legal interpretation of the laws and should not be considered as such.)
U.S. Public Law 91-596 (The Williams-Steiger Occupational and Health Act of 1970) OSHA
This Act Seeks:
“…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…”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer-
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free
from recognized hazard 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.
a. 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.
OSHA Regulations
Current OSHA regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the em-
ployer shall instruct every employee in the safe operation and servicing of all equipment with which the employee is
or will be involved.” These will include (but are not limited to) instructions to:
Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operations:
Permit no riders on equipment;
Stop engine, disconnect the power source and wait for all machine movement to stop before servicing,
adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be running to be properly
serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees as to all steps and procedures
which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.
Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power or operating the ma-
chine.
EMPLOYEE TRACTOR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a ROPS
5. Watch where you are going especially at
row ends, on roads and around trees.
2. Where possible avoid operating the tractor near
6. Do not permit others to ride.
Ditches, embankments and holes.
7.
Operate
the tractor smoothly – jerky
3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and
turns starts or stops
on rough, slick or muddy surfaces
.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch
4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation
.
points recommended by tractor
manufacturers
9. When tractor is stopped, set brake
securely and use park lock if available
Child Labor Under 16 Years Old
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 (sixteen) may operate power machinery. It is your re-
sponsibility to know what these regulations are in you own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept, of Labor, Employ-
ment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)
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