Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970

Purpose of the Act was to "assure, so far as possible, every working man and woman in the Nation healthful working conditions and to preserve human resources."

The Occupational Safety & Health Act created two federal agencies:

• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
• National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)

The Act was amended in 1974, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1989.

The 1989 amendment:

• Strengthened 212 PELs
• Added 164 new PELs
• Included STELs (Short Term Exposure Limits) to complement 8-hour TWA limits