OSHA
US federal regulation assuring workplace safety and health
NIST 800-171
U.S. standard for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems.
Quick Verdict
OSHA ensures workplace safety through regulations and inspections for all US industries, while NIST 800-171 protects CUI via cybersecurity controls for federal contractors. Companies adopt OSHA to avoid fines and injuries; NIST for contract eligibility and data security.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Key Features
- Enforces General Duty Clause for recognized hazards
- Mandates hierarchy of controls prioritizing engineering solutions
- Codifies standards in 29 CFR 1910 for general industry
- Implements risk-based inspections and civil penalties
- Requires electronic injury/illness recordkeeping and reporting
NIST 800-171
NIST SP 800-171: Protecting CUI in Nonfederal Systems
Key Features
- Protects CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems
- 97-110 controls across 14-17 families
- Requires SSP and POA&M documentation
- Scoped CUI enclave isolation supported
- DFARS contractual enforcement mechanism
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
OSHA Details
What It Is
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) establishes OSHA as the U.S. federal agency enforcing workplace safety. It is a comprehensive regulation covering general industry (29 CFR 1910), construction, and more, aiming to assure safe conditions via standards, General Duty Clause, and hierarchy of controls.
Key Components
- Subparts A-Z in 29 CFR 1910 addressing hazards like falls, chemicals, PPE.
- Core principles: hazard prevention, recordkeeping (Forms 300/300A/301), inspections.
- No fixed control count; performance-based with enforcement via penalties up to $165,514.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids fines, shutdowns, litigation.
- Reduces injuries, workers' comp costs; enhances reputation, productivity.
- Builds stakeholder trust through transparent reporting.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, written programs (IIPP, HazCom), training, audits.
- Applies to most U.S. employers; state plans may enhance.
- No certification; verified via inspections, electronic ITA submissions.
NIST 800-171 Details
What It Is
NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171 Revision 3 is a U.S. government cybersecurity framework defining security requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) confidentiality in nonfederal systems. It targets federal contractors via a control-based approach tailored from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, emphasizing scoping to CUI-processing components.
Key Components
- ~98 requirements (r3) across 17 families like Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management.
- Core elements: System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), assessment procedures (SP 800-171A).
- Built on FIPS 200; compliance via self/third-party assessments, CMMC integration.
Why Organizations Use It
- DFARS 252.204-7012 mandates for DoD contracts, ensuring eligibility.
- Mitigates breach risks, builds supply chain trust, enhances maturity.
- Competitive advantage in federal procurement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gap analysis, controls, evidence, monitoring.
- Suits all sizes handling CUI, U.S.-focused; audits via examine/interview/test.
Key Differences
| Aspect | OSHA | NIST 800-171 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Workplace safety, health hazards, emergency preparedness | CUI cybersecurity in nonfederal systems, confidentiality protection |
| Industry | All US industries, general/construction/agriculture | Federal contractors, DoD supply chain, nonfederal systems |
| Nature | Mandatory federal regulation, enforced via inspections | Recommended controls, contractually mandated via DFARS |
| Testing | OSHA inspections, recordkeeping audits, no certification | SP 800-171A assessments, SSP/POA&M review, CMMC certification |
| Penalties | Civil fines up to $165K, failure-to-abate daily penalties | Contract ineligibility, no direct fines, SPRS score impacts |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about OSHA and NIST 800-171
OSHA FAQ
NIST 800-171 FAQ
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