Short Answer 
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act is designed to ensure worker safety and health, but it does not cover public employees in state and local governments unless their states have an OSHA-approved plan. It does protect employees in the 50 states and certain federal territories, highlighting the distinctions in coverage under the act.
Step 1: Understand OSH Act Coverage
The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act is a crucial regulation designed to ensure the safety and health of workers in various industries. It provides guidelines and standards for employers to maintain a safe workplace. However, it’s vital to know that not all workers are included under this act’s provisions.
Step 2: Identify Excluded Employees
One significant group that the OSH Act does not cover is public employees in state and local governments. This exclusion impacts a diverse range of occupations, including:
- Teachers
- Police officers
- Firefighters
These workers do not receive the same protections unless their respective states have adopted an OSHA-approved state plan that provides similar safety standards.
Step 3: Recognize Covered Employees and Areas
In contrast, the OSH Act includes a vast array of workers and employment environments. Specific covered groups are as follows:
- Employees across the 50 states
- Workers in certain territories under federal authority
- Employees in territories of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
Recognizing these distinctions helps clarify who benefits from the protections provided by the OSH Act and which groups may require different safeguards.