In areas where OSHA has not developed specific standards, employers are responsible for ______.

• A. General Duty Clause
• B. Hazard Communication Standard
• C. Lockout/Tagout Standard
• D. Electrical Safety Standards

Answer: (A)

When no specific OSHA rule covers a hazard, employers must rely on the General Duty Clause. This requires that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. To meet this obligation, they should identify hazards, implement feasible controls (such as engineering controls, safe work practices, or personal protective equipment), and promptly correct unsafe conditions.

This clause serves as a safety net for hazards not addressed by a named standard, ensuring basic protections are in place even when there isn’t a precise rule. Other standards exist for particular areas—chemical hazards require proper labeling and safety data information under the Hazard Communication Standard; machinery and servicing require lockout/tagout procedures to prevent unexpected energization; electrical safety standards address electrical risks. Because the question refers to areas lacking a specific standard, the General Duty Clause is the applicable responsibility.