The principles of occupational safety and health have long been applied to industry, but it is only in recent times that serious consideration has been given to their application in the hospital. This interest coincided with the passage, in 1970, of the Occupatinal Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the government's first venture into general occupational safety and health.

The statute's purpose is “to provide for the general welfare, 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.” In general, the Act permits the Secretary of Labor to promulgate occupational safety and health standards. The secretary or his authorized representative may, “with Out delay,” enter the premises of any employer who is covered by the Act, which includes virtually every private sector employer. The legislation applies to 5 million businesses and 57 million employees, who in a year suffer 14,000 deaths and 2 million disabling injuries or diseases related to their occupation.