OSHA
US federal regulation for workplace safety standards enforcement
FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity management
Quick Verdict
OSHA ensures workplace safety via standards and inspections for all U.S. employers, while FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for federal agencies and contractors using NIST RMF. Organizations adopt OSHA to avoid injuries and fines, FISMA for contract eligibility and resilience.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1910)
Key Features
- Enforces standards via 29 CFR 1910 for general industry
- General Duty Clause covers recognized serious hazards
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizes engineering over PPE
- Mandatory injury/illness recordkeeping with electronic submission
- Risk-based inspections with escalating civil penalties
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- NIST RMF 7-step risk management process
- Continuous monitoring and ongoing authorization
- FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- SP 800-53 security and privacy controls
- Annual IG evaluations and OMB reporting
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 codified in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry. Its primary purpose is assuring safe, healthful workplaces by reducing hazards through standards enforcement, inspections, and the General Duty Clause. It uses a performance-based, hierarchy-of-controls approach prioritizing elimination, engineering, and administrative measures.
Key Components
- Organized into Subparts A-Z covering walking surfaces, PPE, hazardous materials, toxic substances.
- **Core principlesSpecific standards precedence, General Duty Clause for gaps, mandatory recordkeeping (Forms 300/300A/301).
- Over 100 standards like HazCom (1910.1200), LOTO (1910.147), emphasizing training, monitoring, abatement.
- Compliance via inspections, no formal certification but state plans and VPP recognition.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal mandate avoids penalties up to $165k per willful violation.
- Reduces injuries, lowers insurance costs, boosts productivity.
- Enhances reputation, meets ESG/stakeholder expectations.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, written programs (IIPP), training, audits.
- Applies to most US employers; scales by size/industry.
- Ongoing via recordkeeping, inspections; no certification but VPP voluntary.
FISMA Details
What It Is
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014 is a U.S. federal law establishing a risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It mandates agency-wide security programs emphasizing continuous monitoring and NIST standards.
Key Components
- NIST RMF 7-step process: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families, baselines per FIPS 199 impact levels).
- Compliance via ATO, POA&Ms, IG assessments, and maturity models (Levels 1-5).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors; enables DoD contracts.
- Reduces breach risks, builds resilience, ensures market access.
- Enhances trust via standardized oversight (OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs).
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF lifecycle with asset inventory, control deployment, automation. Applies to federal entities, contractors; requires annual audits, no central certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | FISMA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health hazards, recordkeeping | Federal info systems security, risk management |
| Industry | All U.S. industries, general industry focus | Federal agencies, contractors, civilian systems |
| Nature | Mandatory OSHA standards, civil penalties | Mandatory risk framework, NIST RMF oversight |
| Testing | Inspections, employer recordkeeping audits | Continuous monitoring, IG annual assessments |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165K per violation | Contract loss, IG reports, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and FISMA
OSHA FAQ
FISMA FAQ
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