The OSHA General Duty Clause is short, only 79 words, but if companies overlook it, the consequences can be devastating.
Established in 1970 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it allows regulators to hold employers accountable when workers are harmed by serious, recognized hazards; even if no specific rule was broken.
“Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.”
Understanding the OSHA General Duty Clause
The OSHA General Duty Clause requires employers to maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious harm or death, even if no specific OSHA standard applies.
If someone is harmed at work, and OSHA determines your organization didn’t do enough to prevent it, you could receive an OSHA citation under the General Duty Clause.
This clause gives OSHA the authority to hold employers accountable for not protecting workers from known, serious hazards, even when no specific rule was broken. These hazards go beyond slips, trips and falls, and can include workplace violence, active shooter risk and other criminal attacks.
It’s one of the most frequently cited standards, often resulting in an OSHA citation, especially after workplace violence or safety and security breakdowns, and many leaders haven’t been briefed on how broadly it can be applied; or how quickly it becomes relevant after an incident.
We’ve done the work so you can focus on yours.
Whether you lead legal, HR, operations, facilities, safety or security, you are part of the accountability chain. And if your organization hasn’t looked at its exposure through the lens of the General Duty Clause, this is the right time to start.
What We’re Covering This Month
Throughout August, we’re focusing on the questions leaders need to ask before an incident puts them in OSHA’s spotlight:
- What exactly is the OSHA General Duty Clause and how does it get used after a violent incident?
- Can we receive an OSHA citation for inaction if we’re technically compliant, but didn’t follow up on known threats?
- How should executives evaluate their current safety and security posture through the lens of OSHA enforcement?
- What does “recognized hazard” mean in real terms and who’s responsible for identifying it?
- If our workplace violence and security plans exist on paper but not in practice, are we still protected?
These are the leadership-level questions we’ll be unpacking throughout the month, alongside expert insights, trending risk factors, and real-time perspectives on important events that impact security across industries. If it affects security, risk, or protecting what’s important; we’re already out front understanding what it means for you. Understanding the OSHA General Duty Clause is our focus this month, but we cover the full threat landscape.
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When You’re Ready, Talk to Us
If your team needs clarity on risk, readiness, or response planning, we’re here to help.
Here’s how it works:
- Schedule a no-pressure consultation
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- Walk away with a plan that protects people and leaders alike
About TAL Global
TAL Global is an international security consulting and risk management firm with over 25 years of proven experience. We protect people, places, assets, and logistics in an increasingly complex and connected world.
Our team includes former federal agents, military veterans, executive level leaders, and crisis response experts recognized for delivering results under pressure. We are trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and mission driven organizations worldwide.
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