Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
provides "...that each employer shall furnish...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." OSHA has used this clause to cite employers for
workplace conditions that present serious occupational hazards that
are not covered by OSHA's more detailed health and safety
standards.