OSHA
US federal regulation assuring workplace safety and health
Basel III
Global framework for bank capital, leverage, liquidity standards.
Quick Verdict
OSHA ensures safe U.S. workplaces through hazard controls and inspections, while Basel III mandates bank resilience via capital, leverage, and liquidity ratios. Companies adopt OSHA for legal compliance and injury prevention; banks use Basel III for solvency and supervisory approval.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Key Features
- General Duty Clause addresses recognized serious hazards
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering over PPE
- Performance-based standards allow flexible hazard mitigation
- Risk-prioritized inspections with civil penalties up to $165k
- Mandatory electronic injury reporting via Injury Tracking Application
Basel III
Basel III: Finalising post-crisis reforms
Key Features
- CET1 minimum 4.5% with stricter capital definitions
- 3% non-risk-based leverage ratio backstop
- LCR requiring HQLA for 30-day stress outflows
- NSFR ensuring stable funding over one year
- Capital buffers with automatic distribution constraints
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
OSHA Details
What It Is
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enforces the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, a US federal regulation for workplace safety. Its scope covers general industry (29 CFR 1910), construction (1926), and more, using a performance-based approach with the General Duty Clause for uncodified hazards.
Key Components
- Subparts addressing hazards: walking surfaces, PPE, HazCom, LOTO, toxic substances.
- **Hierarchy of controlselimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE.
- Recordkeeping (29 CFR 1904): Forms 300/300A/301, electronic ITA submission.
- Enforcement via inspections, citations, penalties; no formal certification but state plans.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for US employers to avoid penalties up to $165k, reduce injuries, lower insurance costs. Enhances risk management, productivity, reputation; aligns with ESG and IIPP best practices.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, written programs (HazCom, LOTO), training, engineering controls. Applies to most private-sector employers; ongoing audits, no certification but inspections required. (178 words)
Basel III Details
What It Is
Basel III is the global regulatory framework issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) post-2008 financial crisis. It establishes prudential standards for banks, focusing on strengthening capital quality and quantity, constraining leverage, and ensuring liquidity resilience. The risk-based methodology integrates minimum ratios, buffers, and non-risk-based metrics for comprehensive solvency.
Key Components
- **Pillar 1Capital ratios (CET1 4.5%, Tier 1 6%, Total 8% of RWA), leverage ratio (3%), LCR (100%), NSFR (100%).
- Buffers: Capital conservation (2.5%), countercyclical, G-SIB/D-SIB.
- **Pillar 2Supervisory review (ICAAP, stress testing).
- **Pillar 3Standardized disclosures for comparability. No formal certification; compliance enforced nationally.
Why Organizations Use It
Banks implement for mandatory regulatory compliance, reducing systemic risk, improving funding costs, enhancing resilience, and building stakeholder trust. It drives strategic balance-sheet optimization and competitive positioning.
Implementation Overview
Phased enterprise transformation: gap analysis, data/system upgrades, governance, training. Targets internationally active banks globally; involves ongoing reporting and supervisory audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | Basel III |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping | Bank capital, liquidity, leverage ratios |
| Industry | All U.S. industries, general workplaces | Internationally active banks, financial sector |
| Nature | Mandatory U.S. regulations, civil enforcement | Global prudential standards, supervisory implementation |
| Testing | Inspections, injury logs, compliance audits | Stress tests, ICAAP, Pillar 3 disclosures |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165k per violation | Capital add-ons, business restrictions, fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and Basel III
OSHA FAQ
Basel III FAQ
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