This particular landmark is the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was passed in 1970. It was an important moment in the history of workers, as this act established standards for protecting them against potential risks to their health and safety. This had previously been a problem. It was also a significant shift in how employees were perceived. Instead of being viewed as commodities, they became valued members of society that deserved to have basic workplace guarantees.
At the time of this milestone, there were several changes occurring within the world of work such as increased automation and global competition which allowed companies to capitalize on lower wages while overlooking workers’ rights. This created an atmosphere where workers had few recourses if they faced hazardous conditions at work or unfair treatment. OSHA provided protection for these workers by making sure that their employers adhered to minimum health and safety standards.
This milestone allowed workers to have more job security and freedom during an economic period that was undergoing rapid change. This legislation has been a key piece in the labor laws of many countries.