OSHA
US federal regulation for workplace safety standards
CMMC
DoD certification for cybersecurity maturity in defense supply chain
Quick Verdict
OSHA ensures workplace safety through regulations and inspections for all U.S. industries, while CMMC certifies cybersecurity maturity for DoD contractors handling sensitive data. Organizations adopt OSHA to avoid fines and injuries; CMMC to win contracts and protect CUI.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Key Features
- General Duty Clause enforces hazard-free workplaces
- 29 CFR 1910 standards cover general industry hazards
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering over PPE
- Mandatory OSHA 300 logs and electronic reporting
- Risk-based inspections with escalating penalties
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
Key Features
- Three cumulative maturity levels for tiered rigor
- Aligns with 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls
- C3PAO third-party and DIBCAC government assessments
- POA&Ms with strict 180-day remediation timelines
- Mandatory flow-down across DIB supply chains
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
OSHA Details
What It Is
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, is a US federal regulation enforcing workplace safety and health standards primarily in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry. Its primary purpose is assuring safe conditions by reducing hazards through standards enforcement, research via NIOSH, and the General Duty Clause for recognized serious hazards. It uses a performance-based, hierarchy-of-controls approach prioritizing elimination and engineering over PPE.
Key Components
- Organized into subparts (A-Z) covering walking surfaces, PPE, HazCom, LOTO, toxic substances.
- Core principles: specific standards precedence, General Duty Clause, injury recordkeeping (OSHA 300/300A/301).
- No formal certification; compliance via self-implementation, inspections, penalties up to $165,514 for willful violations.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for US employers affecting interstate commerce; avoids fines, shutdowns, litigation.
- Reduces injury costs, boosts productivity, enhances reputation.
- Builds stakeholder trust through transparent data and proactive prevention.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, written programs (IIPP), training, audits.
- Applies to most industries, sizes; state plans may add stringency.
- Ongoing via electronic ITA reporting, mock inspections (approx. 180 words).
CMMC Details
What It Is
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) tiered certification program ensuring cybersecurity protections for organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It operationalizes FAR 52.204-21 and NIST SP 800-171/172 requirements through three cumulative levels with defined assessment paths.
Key Components
- **Three levelsLevel 1 (17 FAR practices), Level 2 (110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 practices across 14 domains), Level 3 (adds 24 NIST SP 800-172 enhancements).
- Assessments: self (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3); SSPs, POA&Ms (180-day closure).
- Built on NIST controls for risk-based maturity.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contract eligibility and flow-down.
- Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces incidents, avoids debarment.
- Provides competitive bid advantage, operational resilience, insurance savings.
- Builds trust with primes, DoD, stakeholders.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gaps, remediation, assessment, sustainment (12-18 months typical).
- Targets DIB contractors/subcontractors all sizes; U.S.-focused.
- 3-year certification, annual SPRS/eMASS affirmations.
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | CMMC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection |
| Industry | All general industry, construction, U.S.-wide | DoD contractors, Defense Industrial Base |
| Nature | Mandatory federal regulations, enforced inspections | Certification program, tiered assessments |
| Testing | On-site inspections, prioritized by risk | Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165K per willful violation | Contract ineligibility, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and CMMC
OSHA FAQ
CMMC FAQ
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