Occupational Safety and Health Laws
in the United States, Mexico and Canada: An Overview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Summary: United States
Summary: Mexico
Summary: Canada

I. Introduction

II. The United States

A. Legal Framework

1. Coverage
2. Federal and State Functions

B. Standards Development

1. Standard Setting Procedures
2. Criteria for Standards
3. Restraints on Standard Setting

C. Ensuring Compliance

1. Violations and Defenses
2. Inspections
3. Penalties
4. Alternative Compliance
5. Employee Rights

D. Information Systems

E. Training

F. Workers' Compensation

End Notes

III. Canada

A. Legal Framework

1. Coverage
2. Federal and Provincial Functions

B. Standards Development

C. Ensuring Compliance

1. Employer Duties
2. Employee Duties
3. Inspections
4. Joint Committees
5. Right to Refuse Dangerous Work

D. Information Systems

E. Training

F. Workers' Compensation

End Notes

IV. Mexico

A. Legal Framework

B. Standards Development

C. Compliance

1. Employer Duties
2. Employee Duties
3. Inspections
4. Verification Units
5. Joint Committees
6. Penalties

D. Alternative Prevention and Voluntary Compliance

E. Information Systems

F. Training

G. Workers' Compensation

End Notes