The General Duty Clause is a sort of catch-all for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It says that employers must give workers a safe place to work, free from dangers that could cause serious injury or death. This applies even if there isn’t a specific OSHA rule about the hazard. If the danger is well known and can be fixed, companies are expected to take action. Here is the full clause:

“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.”

When Is It Used?

OSHA uses the General Duty Clause when a hazard is known in the industry, the employer knew or should have known about it, and the hazard could seriously hurt or kill someone. It’s also important that there is a way to prevent or fix the problem. Even if there’s no official OSHA rule about it, the company can still be cited if they don’t take steps to protect workers.

Common Workplace Hazards It Covers

The General Duty Clause is occasionally used in cases where specific OSHA rules don’t exist. For example, OSHA has used it to address problems like workplace violence and injuries from repeated motion. These risks are common in many workplaces, and safety managers are expected to take them seriously. Malcolm Ritchie, Martin Supply Safety Professional, says if the danger is obvious then it should be addressed.

“We don’t have an ergonomic standard, but they can see an employee reaching down and picking up cinder blocks all day long,” Ritchie says. “It goes without saying, if they’re doing that all day long, repetitive motion, that’s going to hurt his spinal column.”

How to Keep Your Team Safe

To stay compliant and protect your workers, it’s important to look for hazards regularly. Walk through your facility and ask if anything could cause serious harm. Train your employees so they understand the risks and know how to protect themselves. If there’s a danger that other companies in your industry are working to prevent, make sure you’re doing the same. Martin Supply’s safety team can also provide a detailed safety audit to determine what safety hazards are not being properly addressed.

It’s also a good idea to keep records of what you’ve done to improve safety. This can include training logs, equipment inspections, or notes from safety meetings. These records show that your company is trying to create a safe place to work.

Why It Matters

The General Duty Clause is a powerful reminder that safety isn’t just about following rules. It’s about doing what’s right. If a risk is known and can be prevented, companies are responsible for acting before someone gets hurt. Being proactive about safety helps you avoid citations, lowers injury rates, and shows your team that you care.

If you need help finding the right safety equipment, setting up a training plan, or making your facility safer, Martin Supply’s team of safety experts can help. We work with you to protect your team and build a stronger, safer workplace. To learn more, contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116.