Which OSHA provision requires employers to furnish to each employee a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm?

• A. General Duty Clause
• B. Hazard Communication
• C. OSHA Act
• D. Personal Protective Equipment

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the General Duty Clause of the OSHA Act. It requires employers to keep the workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. This is a broad, catch-all rule the agency uses when there isn’t a specific standard addressing a hazard, so it applies across many situations in theatre and backstage work.

Why this is the best choice: it embodies the overarching safety obligation to identify and fix hazards that could seriously hurt workers, not just follow a particular rule. In a backstage setting, this covers things like unguarded machinery, exposed electrical components, or rigging hazards where no single standard neatly applies. If a hazard is recognized, there’s a feasible way to eliminate or reduce it, and workers could be seriously harmed, OSHA can require actions under this clause.

Understanding how it contrasts with other options helps with context: Hazard Communication focuses on chemical labeling and safety data sheets, which is important but limited to chemical hazards. The OSHA Act is the law that creates OSHA and the general framework, not a specific provision you apply day to day. Personal Protective Equipment is a treatment or control measure rather than the broad duty to provide a hazard-free workplace.

In short, this clause is the broad safety duty ensuring workplaces are free from recognized hazards that could cause serious harm, filling gaps where no individual standard exists.