GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection
OSHA
US regulation for workplace safety and health standards
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates data privacy for EU residents globally, enforcing rights and accountability with hefty fines. OSHA requires safe US workplaces via standards and inspections, preventing injuries with penalties. Companies adopt GDPR for compliance, OSHA for worker safety and risk reduction.
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope targets non-EU organizations
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance
- Fines up to 4% global annual turnover
- 72-hour personal data breach notification
- Mandatory Data Protection Officer for high-risk processing
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1910)
Key Features
- General Duty Clause addresses uncodified hazards
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering over PPE
- Electronic injury reporting via Injury Tracking Application
- Risk-based inspection prioritization and penalties
- State plans with potentially stricter requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation modernizing data privacy. It protects natural persons' rights regarding personal data processing, ensuring free data movement in the digital single market. Adopts a risk-based accountability approach with extraterritorial scope.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness/fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- **Data subject rightsaccess, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), restriction, portability, objection.
- Obligations include DPIAs, Records of Processing, DPO appointment, 72-hour breach notification.
- Tiered fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for any processing EU data, avoiding severe penalties.
- Enhances risk management, builds stakeholder trust.
- Global gold standard, boosts reputation/competitiveness.
- Influences worldwide privacy laws (e.g., LGPD, CCPA).
Implementation Overview
- Conduct gap analysis, update policies/processes, train staff, implement tech safeguards.
- Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data, all sizes/industries.
- No formal certification; requires ongoing compliance, subject to DPA audits/enforcement.
OSHA Details
What It Is
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a US federal regulation under the OSH Act of 1970, enforcing workplace safety and health standards in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry. Its primary purpose is assuring safe working conditions by reducing hazards via standards enforcement and the General Duty Clause. It uses a performance-based, hierarchy-of-controls approach prioritizing elimination, engineering, and PPE.
Key Components
- Organized into subparts (A-Z) covering walking surfaces, PPE, hazardous materials, toxic substances.
- **Core principlesSpecific standards precedence, General Duty Clause for gaps, recordkeeping (Forms 300/300A/301).
- Over 1,000 requirements across industries; compliance via inspections, penalties up to $165,514.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for US employers to avoid citations, fines, shutdowns.
- Reduces injuries, workers' comp costs; enhances productivity, reputation.
- Builds stakeholder trust, aligns with ESG; state plans add stringency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, IIPP development, training, audits.
- Applies to most US private employers; no certification, but enforced via inspections.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | OSHA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data privacy and protection | Workplace safety and health hazards |
| Industry | All sectors processing EU data globally | US private sector industries, state plans |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, extraterritorial | Mandatory US standards, performance-based |
| Testing | DPIAs for high-risk processing | Hazard assessments, inspections, audits |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Civil penalties up to $165k per violation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and OSHA
GDPR FAQ
OSHA FAQ
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