OC glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every OC term in the Amicus glossary.

Occupancy

/ˈɒkjʊpənsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act or state of inhabiting or using a property or space, especially under a lease or property right.
    The tenant's occupancy of the apartment began on the first of the month.
  2. (n.) The number of persons lawfully allowed or actually residing in a building, often dictated by safety regulations or zoning laws.
    The occupancy limit for the venue is 200 people to comply with fire codes.

Commentary

In legal contexts, "occupancy" often refers both to possession rights under lease agreements and to limits imposed by law or regulation, especially in housing and safety compliance.


Occupancy Certificate

/ˈɒkjʊpænsi səˈtɪfɪkət/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An official document issued by a local government or municipal authority certifying that a building complies with all applicable laws and is fit for occupancy.
    The builder must obtain an occupancy certificate before residents can move into the new apartment complex.

Forms

  • occupancy certificate

Commentary

An occupancy certificate is generally the final approval in the construction and zoning approval process, confirming legal use and habitation readiness.


Occupancy Permit

/ˈɑːkjəpənsi pərˈmɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal document issued by a governmental authority certifying that a building complies with all applicable codes and is safe for occupancy.
    The landlord must obtain an occupancy permit before tenants can legally move in.

Forms

  • occupancy permit
  • occupancy permits

Commentary

Often issued after final inspections, the occupancy permit is critical for establishing legal tenancy and use; drafters should distinguish it clearly from building permits and certificates of occupancy where jurisdictions differ.


Occupant

/ˈɒkjʊp.ənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who physically resides in or uses a property, regardless of ownership or lease status.
    The occupant of the apartment is responsible for maintaining the premises.
  2. (n.) A person in possession or control of a property under a legal right, such as a tenant or lessee.
    The occupant must comply with the terms of the lease agreement.

Forms

  • occupants

Commentary

‘Occupant’ may include those without formal legal title or lease but who physically use the premises; careful drafting distinguishes occupants from tenants or owners.


Occupation

/ˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The control or possession of land or property, especially by the physical presence of a person or authority.
    The military occupation of the territory was declared unlawful by the international tribunal.
  2. (n.) A person's usual or principal work or profession, especially as a means of earning income.
    Disclosing one's occupation is required on certain legal forms.

Commentary

In legal contexts, occupation can refer either to physical possession of property or to a person’s employment; context determines which meaning applies.


Occupational

/ˌɒk.jəˈpeɪ.ʃə.nəl/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Relating to or connected with a person's job, profession, or employment.
    The occupational hazards of construction work include exposure to dangerous machinery.
  2. (adj.) Pertaining to duties, rights, or activities arising from one's employment or profession, often in legal contexts such as occupational safety and health law.
    Employers have an occupational responsibility to ensure workplace safety.

Commentary

Often used in legal documents to specify matters linked to employment conditions, safety regulations, and professional duties.


Occupational Analysis

/ˌɑkjəˈpeɪʃənəl əˈnæləsɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A systematic study of job duties and workplace conditions to assess occupational requirements, often used in legal contexts for disability claims, workers' compensation, and employment discrimination cases.
    The court relied on the expert's occupational analysis to determine the plaintiff's ability to perform job functions.

Forms

  • occupational analysis

Commentary

Occupational analysis is critical in legal cases involving employment rights and disability, requiring precise and objective evaluation of job demands.


Occupational Classification

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənl ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A system used to categorize jobs and occupations for legal, regulatory, and statistical purposes, often influencing labor law, employment standards, and benefits eligibility.
    The court referenced the occupational classification system to determine the applicability of wage regulations.

Forms

  • occupational classification
  • occupational classifications

Commentary

Occupational classification is critical for legal frameworks involving employment rights, ensuring consistent job categorization across statutes and regulations.


Occupational Disease

/ˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃənəl dɪˈziːz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A disease contracted primarily as a result of an exposure to risk factors arising from work activity or environment, recognized legally for compensation claims.
    The employee filed a claim for compensation after being diagnosed with an occupational disease due to prolonged chemical exposure at the factory.

Forms

  • occupational diseases

Commentary

Occupational diseases are commonly linked to statutory workers' compensation schemes; accurate identification and medical evidence are crucial for successful claims.


Occupational Disease Insurance

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl dɪˈziːz ɪnˈʃʊərəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Insurance that provides compensation to workers who contract diseases as a direct result of their occupational activities.
    The company offers occupational disease insurance to cover illnesses caused by workplace conditions.

Forms

  • occupational disease insurance
  • occupational disease insurances

Commentary

This insurance specifically addresses diseases linked to workplace exposure, distinct from general health insurance or accident insurance.


Occupational Disease Law

/ˌɒk.jʊˈpeɪ.ʃə.nəl dɪˈziːz lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal provisions and regulations governing the recognition, prevention, and compensation of diseases contracted as a direct result of occupational exposure or work conditions.
    The occupational disease law mandates employers to compensate workers diagnosed with conditions caused by workplace hazards.

Forms

  • occupational disease law
  • occupational disease laws

Commentary

Often integrated within workers' compensation statutes, occupational disease laws require precise medical and causal evidence to establish liability and entitlement.


Occupational Exposure Limit

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ɪkˈspoʊʒər ˈlɪmɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legally defined maximum concentration or level of a hazardous substance to which workers may be exposed during a workday without adverse health effects.
    The occupational exposure limit for asbestos dust is strictly enforced to ensure worker safety.

Forms

  • occupational exposure limit
  • occupational exposure limits

Commentary

Occupational exposure limits are critical in drafting workplace safety regulations and must reflect current scientific consensus to ensure enforceability and worker protection.


Occupational Hazard

/ˌɑk.jəˈpeɪ.ʃən.əl ˈhæz.ərd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A risk or danger inherent to a particular occupation, often recognized in workers' compensation and labor law.
    Exposure to toxic chemicals is a common occupational hazard in manufacturing jobs.

Forms

  • occupational hazard

Commentary

Often relevant in drafting workplace safety regulations and workers' compensation claims; clear specification helps define employer liability.


Occupational Health

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənl hɛlθ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The branch of law and public policy concerned with the protection and promotion of employees’ physical and mental well-being in the workplace.
    The company implemented new occupational health policies to reduce workplace injuries.

Commentary

Occupational health law often overlaps with workplace safety and employment law, focusing specifically on employer obligations to prevent health risks in occupational settings.


Occupational Health and Safety

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ænd ˈseɪfti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of laws, regulations, and practices designed to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of employees at the workplace.
    Employers must comply with occupational health and safety regulations to prevent workplace accidents.

Commentary

Often abbreviated as OHS; legal frameworks vary by jurisdiction but generally aim to reduce workplace hazards and promote employee well-being.


Occupational Health and Safety Act

/ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ænd ˈseɪfti ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A statutory framework enacted to regulate workplace safety and health standards, aiming to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.
    The company was fined for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to maintain proper safety equipment.

Forms

  • occupational health and safety act

Commentary

The term typically refers to specific national or regional legislation; referencing the jurisdiction clarifies applicability.


Occupational Health and Safety Assessment

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ænd ˈsɛɪfti əˈsɛsmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A systematic process to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks related to workplace health and safety to ensure compliance with legal standards.
    The company conducted an occupational health and safety assessment before reopening the factory.

Forms

  • occupational health and safety assessment

Commentary

Typically used in both regulatory compliance and corporate governance contexts, clarity and thoroughness in assessment reports are critical for legal defensibility.


Occupational Health and Safety Compliance

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ənd ˈseɪfti kəmˈplaɪəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and policies designed to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees in the workplace.
    The company was fined for failing to maintain occupational health and safety compliance after the inspection.

Forms

  • occupational health and safety compliance

Commentary

This term frequently appears in regulatory contexts governing employer obligations; precise referencing of applicable statutes is recommended in drafting.


Occupational Health and Safety Law

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ænd ˈseɪfti lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of law regulating the safe and healthy conditions of workplaces to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses.
    The company must comply with occupational health and safety law to ensure a safe environment for its employees.

Forms

  • occupational health and safety law

Commentary

This term is often used interchangeably with workplace safety law but it specifically encompasses statutory and regulatory frameworks focused on preventing workplace hazards.


Occupational Health and Safety Management System

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ænd ˈsɛfti ˈmænɪdʒmənt ˈsɪstəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A structured framework implemented by an organization to manage occupational health and safety risks, ensuring legal compliance and protection of workers' well-being.
    The company implemented an occupational health and safety management system to reduce workplace accidents and meet regulatory standards.

Forms

  • occupational health and safety management system
  • occupational health and safety management systems

Commentary

Often abbreviated as OHSMS, this term encompasses legal requirements and organizational practices to proactively manage workplace hazards.


Occupational Health and Safety Standards

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ ænd ˈseɪfti ˈstændərdz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Regulations and guidelines established to ensure the safety and health of employees in the workplace.
    The company must comply with occupational health and safety standards to protect its workers from hazards.

Forms

  • occupational health and safety standards
  • occupational health and safety standard

Commentary

These standards often originate from statutory law or administrative regulations and serve as enforceable criteria to minimize workplace injuries and illnesses.


Occupational Health Law

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl hɛlθ lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Body of law regulating workplace conditions to protect workers' health and safety.
    Occupational health law requires employers to provide a safe working environment.
  2. (n.) Legal framework addressing prevention and management of occupational diseases and injuries.
    The company complied with occupational health law by monitoring exposure to hazardous substances.

Forms

  • occupational health law
  • occupational health laws

Commentary

Often overlaps with labor law and safety regulations; precise definitions may vary by jurisdiction.


Occupational Illness

/ˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃənl ˈɪlnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A disease or health disorder directly caused by conditions or hazards arising from work or the workplace environment.
    The worker filed a claim for compensation due to an occupational illness caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Forms

  • occupational illness

Commentary

Occupational illness specifically denotes diseases arising from workplace exposure, distinct from injuries caused by accidents; precise definition aids in claims and compensation contexts.


Occupational Injury

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənl ˈɪndʒəri/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A physical harm or injury sustained by an employee as a result of an incident or exposure arising out of and in the course of employment.
    The worker filed a claim for compensation after his occupational injury at the factory.

Forms

  • occupational injuries

Commentary

Occupational injury specifically denotes harm linked to employment conditions, distinguishing it from general personal injury; precise legal definitions may vary by jurisdiction.


Occupational Injury Insurance

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənl ˈɪndʒəri ɪnˈʃʊərəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Insurance coverage providing compensation for workers who suffer injuries or illnesses arising out of and in the course of employment.
    The company secured occupational injury insurance to comply with labor laws and protect its employees.

Forms

  • occupational injury insurance

Commentary

Occupational injury insurance is distinct from general health insurance as it specifically covers work-related injuries and illnesses, often mandated by law; drafting policies should clearly define covered risks and claim procedures.


Occupational Injury Law

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈɪndʒəri lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The body of law addressing rights, compensation, and regulations related to injuries sustained in the workplace.
    The company consulted experts in occupational injury law to ensure compliance and proper employee compensation.
  2. (n.) Legal principles governing employer liability and worker protections concerning workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
    Occupational injury law mandates employers provide safe working conditions to minimize health risks.

Forms

  • occupational injury law

Commentary

Often involves interplay between statutory workers' compensation schemes and common law liability principles; precision in defining workplace conditions and causation is crucial.


Occupational License

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈlaɪsəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A government-issued permit that authorizes an individual to engage lawfully in a particular occupation or profession.
    She obtained an occupational license to practice as a cosmetologist.
  2. (n.) A regulatory tool used by municipalities or states to regulate professions, ensure public safety, and sometimes restrict market entry.
    The city requires an occupational license for all contract workers operating within its limits.

Forms

  • occupational license
  • occupational licenses

Commentary

Occupational licenses often require meeting specific qualifications and can serve as regulatory barriers; drafters should specify the scope and issuing authority precisely.


Occupational Licensure

/ˌɑkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈlaɪsənʃɚ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A regulatory process requiring individuals to obtain official permission, often via certification or examination, to legally engage in a specific profession or occupation.
    Many states impose occupational licensure to ensure professionals meet minimum standards of competency.

Forms

  • occupational licensure

Commentary

Often distinguished from certification by its mandatory nature and its enforcement by government authorities to protect public health and safety.


Occupational Regulation

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənl ˌrɛɡjʊˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The system of laws and rules governing the licensing, certification, and practice standards of professions to protect public welfare.
    Occupational regulation ensures that only qualified individuals practice medicine or law.
  2. (n.) Governmental oversight restricting entry or conduct in certain occupations to maintain standards and public safety.
    The state imposed occupational regulations requiring barbers to obtain a license.

Forms

  • occupational regulation

Commentary

Often drafted to balance public protection with preventing unnecessary barriers to employment; terminology varies by jurisdiction.


Occupational Risk

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənl rɪsk/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The likelihood of harm or adverse health effects occurring in a worker due to exposure to hazardous conditions or substances in the workplace.
    Employers must assess occupational risk to implement effective safety measures.

Forms

  • occupational risk

Commentary

Typically used in employment law and health and safety regulations to identify and mitigate dangers inherent to specific job functions.


Occupational Safety

/ˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃənl ˈseɪfti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The field of law and regulation concerned with the health and safety of employees in their workplace to prevent accidents and occupational illnesses.
    The company implemented new occupational safety measures to comply with government regulations.

Commentary

Occupational safety frequently overlaps with occupational health but focuses more specifically on preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace through legal and regulatory frameworks.


Occupational Safety and Health

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈseɪfti ænd hɛlθ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal and regulatory framework aimed at ensuring safe and healthy working conditions to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
    The company implemented strict occupational safety and health measures to comply with federal regulations.

Commentary

This term encompasses both the policies and legal obligations designed to protect worker well-being; clarity in statute drafting is crucial to define responsibilities and enforcement mechanisms.


Occupational Safety and Health Act

/ˌɑkjəˈpeɪʃənəl ˈseɪfti ænd hɛlθ ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A U.S. federal law enacted in 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
    The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to adhere to safety standards to protect employees from hazards.

Forms

  • occupational safety and health act

Commentary

Often abbreviated as OSHA; important to distinguish the Act as legislation from the OSHA agency it created.


Occupational Safety and Health Administration

/ˌɑk.jəˈpeɪ.ʃən.əl ˈseɪf.ti ænd hɛlθ ˌæd.mɪ.nɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health regulations.
    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued new guidelines to improve factory safety.

Commentary

Commonly abbreviated as OSHA; critical in regulatory compliance and labor law enforcement related to employee safety.


Occupational Safety and Health Law

/ˌɑkjuːˈpeɪʃənəl ˈseɪfti ænd hɛlθ lɔː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A body of law regulating workplace conditions to ensure employee safety, health, and welfare.
    The company was fined for violating occupational safety and health law by failing to provide adequate protective equipment.
  2. (n.) Statutory and regulatory measures designed to prevent workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
    Occupational safety and health law mandates regular safety inspections and comprehensive training programs.

Forms

  • occupational safety and health law
  • occupational safety and health laws

Commentary

Often abbreviated as OSH law, it encompasses both statutory provisions and administrative regulations aimed at preventing work-related hazards.


Occupational Safety Evaluation

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈseɪfti ˌɛvəˈlueɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A systematic process by which workplaces are assessed to identify hazards and ensure compliance with occupational safety laws and regulations.
    The company conducted an occupational safety evaluation to prevent workplace accidents.

Forms

  • occupational safety evaluation
  • occupational safety evaluations

Commentary

This term is primarily used in legal contexts involving regulatory compliance and workplace safety standards enforcement.


Occupational Therapy

/ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənəl ˈθerəpi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A therapeutic practice authorized or regulated by law to help individuals regain or improve skills necessary for daily living and working.
    The court recognized the licensed occupational therapy services as essential for the plaintiff's rehabilitation.

Forms

  • occupational therapy

Commentary

Legal contexts emphasize licensed practice standards and regulatory compliance for occupational therapy services.


Occupied Territory

/ˈɒkjʊpaɪd ˈtɛrɪˌtɔːri/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A geographical area under the military control of an invading power, without sovereignty transfer.
    The occupying state must adhere to international law while governing the occupied territory.

Forms

  • occupied territory

Commentary

The term specifically denotes areas under de facto control without legal sovereignty, significant in international humanitarian law and Geneva Conventions contexts.


Occupy

/ˈɑkjəˌpaɪ/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To take possession or control of property, often without legal authority.
    The protesters attempted to occupy the government building.
  2. (v.) To reside in or hold a property as an owner or tenant.
    The tenant currently occupies the apartment.

Forms

  • occupies
  • occupied
  • occupying

Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguish between lawful occupancy by a tenant and unlawful occupation, such as trespass or adverse possession, to avoid ambiguity.


Occurrence

/ɒˈkʌrəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An event or happening, often significant in legal contexts such as insurance policies or contracts.
    The insurance covers any occurrence of fire damage to the property.
  2. (n.) The coming into existence or manifestation of a legal event, such as a breach or claim.
    The occurrence of the breach triggered the contract's penalty clause.

Forms

  • occurrences

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'occurrence' is frequently used in insurance policies to define the trigger for coverage; precise definition in context is essential to avoid ambiguity.


Occurrence Basis Insurance

/əˈkʌrəns ˈbeɪsɪs ɪnˈʃʊərəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A type of insurance policy that covers claims made for events that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.
    The company purchased occurrence basis insurance to protect against liabilities arising from incidents during the policy term.

Forms

  • occurrence basis insurance

Commentary

Unlike claims-made insurance, occurrence basis insurance focuses on the time the event occurred, making it important to clearly define the policy period in drafting.


Occurrence Coverage

/ˈɔːkəˌrɛns ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A type of insurance coverage that protects against claims arising from events that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is made.
    The policy's occurrence coverage provides protection for accidents that happened within the coverage period, even if the claim arises years later.

Forms

  • occurrence coverage

Commentary

Occurrence coverage is distinct from claims-made coverage; drafters should clearly specify the coverage trigger to avoid ambiguity in insurance contracts.


Occurrence Insurance

/ˈɔːkərəns ɪnˈʃʊərəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A type of liability insurance that covers claims arising from incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed.
    The company purchased occurrence insurance to protect against lawsuits for accidents that happened during the coverage term.

Forms

  • occurrence insurance
  • occurrence insurances

Commentary

Occurrence insurance is distinct from claims-made insurance by covering incidents during the policy period no matter when claims are made, which affects risk and premium calculations.


Occurrence Policy

/əˈkʌrəns ˈpɒlɪsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An insurance policy that covers claims arising from incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is reported.
    The occurrence policy protected the business against liability claims reported years after the original event.

Forms

  • occurrence policy
  • occurrence policies

Commentary

Occurrence policies are distinguished from claims-made policies by coverage trigger; drafters should clarify timing of incidents versus claim reporting.


Ocular

/ˈɒk.jʊ.lər/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Relating to the eye or the sense of sight, especially in legal contexts involving observation or visual evidence.
    The ocular inspection of the property was crucial for the case.

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'ocular' specifically pertains to anything involving visual perception, often used to describe inspections or evidence derived from direct sight.

Glossary – OC Terms